"The Masked Lady?" repeated Aladdin in a puzzled tone.

"She lent me her sword."

But Aladdin mused darkly until his eyes rested upon his lamp. "I'd
rather persons didn't wear masks--of any sort," he said. "Sometimes
they are dangerous enemies."

He seemed so troubled as he said this that Everychild asked him, "But
you, Aladdin--why are you making a journey on the Road of Troubled
Children?"

"I?" replied Aladdin in surprise. "Why, because I am the most troubled
child of all!"

Everychild could scarcely believe this. "And yet," he said, "with your
wonderful lamp you have only to wish for things, and they are yours!"

Aladdin made ready to tell his story. He adjusted himself more
comfortably on the Oriental rug, and at last he sighed deeply. "The
child who has everything is never happy," he said.

Everychild simply could not believe this; and Aladdin read the
disbelief in his eyes.

"It is true," he said. "Having everything you wish for is like having
more money than any one else. And in such a case, how could one be
happy? How many things would be denied one!--pleasant solitude, simple
friendships, even a good name. Those who had too little would envy you