No extradition treaties subsisted between the several and numerous states into which Italy was then divided, so that it was only necessary to cross a frontier in order to gain safety from the law.

The position of an outlaw in that case was tolerably secure, except against private vengeance or the cupidity of professional cut-throats, who gained an honest livelihood by murdering bandits with a good price on their heads.

Condemned for the most part in their absence, these homicides entered a recognized and not dishonorable class.

They were tolerated, received, and even favored by neighboring princes, who generally had some grudge against the state from which the outlaws fled.

After obtaining letters of safe-conduct and protection, they enrolled themselves in the militia of their adopted country, while the worst of them became spies or secret agents of police.