The city was pervaded with spies, and even secret denunciations were attended to, and the slightest expression of discontent against the ruling authorities was severely punished.

On the other hand, comparatively slight attention was paid to private crime.
Assassinations were of frequent occurrence, and unless the victim happened to be very powerfully connected, no notice was taken when a man was found to be missing from his usual place, and his corpse was discovered floating in the lagoon.

Consequently crimes of this kind were, in the great majority of cases, committed with impunity, and even when traced, the authors, if possessed of powerful protectors, seldom suffered any greater punishment than temporary banishment.
After standing for some time on the Piazzetta, the two lads turned and, entering the square of Saint Mark, mingled with the crowd.

It was a motley one.

Nobles in silks and satins jostled with fishermen of the lagoons.