Among the hostages was a noble maiden named Clœlia. In the Etruscan camp she pined for the freedom of her own home, for the joy of seeing her own friends, and at length she determined to escape. So one night, when it grew dark, she slipped out of the camp unnoticed, and found her way to the edge of the river. Without hesitation she plunged into the water and swam across to the other side--to home, to freedom. But a sad disappointment was in store for the maiden. The Romans refused to allow her to stay in Rome, for although they admired her courage, their treaty with Lars Porsenna must be kept. So poor Clœlia was sent back to the king. But he, pleased that the Romans had behaved so honourably, set Clœlia free, and allowed her to take many of the other hostages back with her to Rome. Soon after this, Lars Porsenna refused to help Tarquin the Proud any longer, and breaking up his camp on the Janiculum he went back to his own country. His tents, which were full of corn and provisions, he gave to the starving city. So grateful were the Romans for the food that they rewarded Lars Porsenna with royal gifts--a throne and sceptre of ivory, a golden crown, and a purple robe. And these gifts the king well deserved, for he had proved a generous foe. CHAPTER XXV THE DIVINE TWINS Tarquin the Proud was an old man now, but he was not yet ready to believe that he would never again reign in Rome. Once more he prepared for battle, invoking the aid of the Latins, for he believed that the Romans would quail before this fierce and warlike people. The Romans did not quail, but they knew that they would need brave men to lead their army. So they appointed a Dictator, who was to have supreme command of the army and power as though he was king in Rome, for six months. Aulus Postumius was the name of the Roman who was chosen for this great trust. Tarquin, his cruel son Sextus, and a band of Roman exiles marched to the battlefield, near Lake Regillus in the region of Tusculum. With them was their ally the King of the Latins, leading a great army. The Romans, with Aulus at their head, advanced against the foe, and a great battle was fought. Valerius, the Consul was on the field, and when he saw Sextus anger filled his heart, and he dashed forward to slay him. But the prince retreated, and Valerius followed until he was drawn into the lines of the enemy, and perished by the thrust of a spear. Fiercely as the Romans fought, the day began to go against them. Then Aulus vowed that he would build a temple to the twin brothers, Castor and Pollux, if they would but come to his aid and give to the Romans victory. Scarcely had the Dictator ended his prayer, when lo! two youths of more than human height and majesty appeared, clad in shining armour, and riding upon white horses. Going to the head of the army, they led it afresh against the Latins.