will thank me for: but gather up all the loose dry sticks you can see, to kindle a fire with.”
Aladdin found so many dried sticks, that he soon collected a great heap. The magician presently set them on fire; and when they were in a blaze, threw in some incense, pronouncing several magical words, which Aladdin did not understand.
He had scarcely done so when the earth opened just before the magician, and discovered a stone with a brass ring fixed in it. Aladdin was so frightened that he would have run away, but the magician caught hold of him, and gave him such a box on the ear that he knocked him down. Aladdin got up trembling, and with tears in his eyes said to the magician, “What have I done, uncle, to be treated in this severe manner?” “I am your uncle,” answered the magician; “I supply the place of your father, and you ought not to question my acts. But, child,” added he, softening, “do not be afraid; for I shall not ask anything of you, but that you obey me punctually, if you would reap the benefits which I intend to give you. Know, then, that under this stone there is hidden a treasure, destined to be yours, and which will make you richer than the greatest monarch in the world. No person but yourself is permitted to lift this stone, or enter the cave; so you must punctually execute what I command, for it is a matter of great consequence both to you and me.”
Aladdin, amazed at all he saw and heard, forgot what was
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