Being the tale of the first journey to Capua, made by Marius Bracus and Caius Crassus, some four years before the evening at the Villa Salaria, and of the fighting of two pairs of gladiators.

One fine spring day, when Lentulus Batiatus, the lanista, sat in his office, belching intermittently, his large breakfast making a comfortable bulk in his stomach, his Greek accountant entered the room and informed him that two young Romans were waiting outside, and that they wished to talk with him about fighting some pairs. Both the office and accountant-a well-educated Ionian slave-were indications of wealth and prosperity on the part of Batiatus. On the other hand, the fighting of pairs-as it was commonly called-was a new field for investment and profit; it was legitimate; it was a recognized business; and anyone who read the signs of the times properly knew that it was only in its infancy. A casual entertainment would soon become the overwhelming craze of a whole social system. Varinia, who lies awake in the darkness, and she has not slept this night, not even for a few moments; but Spartacus, who lies beside her, sleeps.