The Profitable Career of Gabinius Very wretched had been the remnants of Dumnorix's band of gladiators, when nightfall had covered them from pursuit by the enraged Praenestians.

And for some days the defeated assassins led a desperate struggle for existence on the uplands above the Latin plain.

Then, when the hue and cry aroused by their mad exploit had died away, Dumnorix was able to reorganize his men into a regular horde of banditti.

In the sheltered valleys of the upper Apennines they found moderately safe and comfortable fastnesses, and soon around them gathered a number of unattached highwaymen, who sought protection and profit in allying themselves with the band led by the redoubtable lanista.

But if Dumnorix was the right arm of this noble company, Publius Gabinius was its head.