Chapter XI

Captivity and Sufferings of Masers de Latude—Cause of his
Imprisonment—He is removed from the Bastile to Vincennes—He
escapes—He is retaken, and sent to the Bastile—Kindness of
M. Berryer—D’Alegre is confined in the same apartment with
him—Latude forms a plan for escaping—Preparations for executing
it—The Prisoners descend from the summit of the Bastile, and
escape—They are recaptured in Holland, and brought back—Latude
is thrown into a horrible dungeon—He tames rats, and makes a
musical pipe—Plans suggested by him—His writing materials—He
attempts suicide—Pigeons tamed by him—New plans suggested
by him—Finds means to fling a packet of papers from the top
of the Bastile—He is removed to Vincennes—He escapes—Is
recaptured—Opens a communication with his fellow-prisoners—Is
transferred to Charenton—His situation there—His momentary
liberation—He is re-arrested, and sent to the Bicêtre—Horrors
of that prison—Heroic benevolence of Madame Legros—She succeeds
in obtaining his release—Subsequent fate of Latude. 382