He refused.

She burnt three more, and brought him the last three with the price again doubled, because the fewer they were, the more precious.

He bought them at last, and placed them in the Capitol, whence they were now and then taken to be consulted as oracles.
[Illustration: SYBIL'S CAVE.] Rome was at war with the city of Gabii, and as the city was not to be subdued by force, Tarquin tried treachery.

His eldest son, Sextus Tarquinius, fled to Gabii, complaining of ill-usage of his father, and showing marks of a severe scourging.

The Gabians believed him, and he was soon so much trusted by them as to have the whole command of the army and manage everything in the city.