The terror would well nigh have driven her distracted.

Methinks she would have died of sheer fright.

But, father, is all lost past recovery?
Can none of the watch or of the constables tell you aught, or help you to recover aught ?" "Ah, child, in these days of death, who is to know so much as where to carry one's questions?
Watchmen and constables have died and changed a score of times in the past two months.

The magistrates do their best to keep order in the city, but who can fight against the odds of such a time as this?
The very men employed as watchmen may be the thieves themselves.

They have to take the services of almost any who offer.