Nothing, however, could escape the
observation of the horde which was now ransacking every corner. When
the Italians had been banished from the city Nicetas had sheltered a
Venetian merchant, with his wife and family. This man now clothed
himself like a soldier and, pretending that he was one of the
invaders, prevented his countrymen or any other Latins from entering
the house. For some time he was successful, but at length a crowd,
principally of French soldiers, pushed past and flocked within. From
that time protection became impossible.
The Venetian advised Nicetas to leave, in order to prevent himself
from being imprisoned and to save the honor of his daughters. Nicetas
and his friends accepted the advice. Having clothed themselves in
skins or the poorest garments, they were conducted through the city by
their faithful friend as if they were his prisoners. The girls and
young ladies of the party were placed in their midst, their faces
having been intentionally smeared in order to give them the appearance
of being of the poorest class. As they reached the Golden Gate the
daughter of a magistrate, who was one of the party, was suddenly
seized and carried off by a crusader.
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