The Huguenots unanimously declined to sign the oath.
With the removal of the chancellor from the council, the party of Lorraine became triumphant; and it was determined to seize the whole of the Huguenot leaders, who were quietly residing upon their estates in distant parts of France.

Gaspard de Tavannes was charged with the arrest of Conde and the Admiral; and fourteen companies of men-at-arms, and as many of infantry were placed under his orders, and these were quietly and secretly marched to Noyers.
Fortunately Conde received warning, just before the blow was going to be struck.

He was joined at Noyers by the Admiral, with his daughter and sons, and the wife and infant son of D'Andelot.

Conde himself had with him his wife and children.

They were joined by a few Huguenot noblemen from the neighbourhood; and these, with the servants of the prince and Admiral, formed an escort of about a hundred and fifty horse.
Escape seemed well-nigh hopeless.