but the magician beguiled him with pleasant stories and lead him
on in spite of himself. At last they came to two mountains
divided by a narrow valley. "We will go no farther," said
his uncle. "I will show you something wonderful; only do you
gather up sticks while I kindle a fire." When it was lit the
magician threw on it a powder he had about him, at the same time
saying some magical words. The earth trembled a little in front
of them, disclosing a square flat stone with a brass ring in the
middle to raise it by. Aladdin tried to run away, but the
magician caught him and gave him a blow that knocked him down.
"What have I done, uncle?" he said piteously; whereupon the
magician said more kindly: "Fear nothing, but obey me. Beneath
this stone lies a treasure which is to be yours, and no one else
may touch it, so you must do exactly as I tell you." At the word
treasure Aladdin forgot his fears, and grasped the ring as he was
told, saying the names of his father and grandfather. The stone
came up quite easily, and some steps appeared. "Go down," said
the magician; "at the foot of those steps you will find an open
door leading into three large halls. Tuck up your gown and go
through them without touching anything, or you will die instantly.
These halls lead into a garden of fine fruit trees. Walk on till
you come to niche in a terrace where stands a lighted lamp. Pour
out the oil it contains, and bring it me." He drew a ring from
his finger and gave it to Aladdin, bidding him prosper.

Aladdin found everything as the magician had said, gathered some
fruit off the trees, and, having got the lamp, arrived at the
mouth of the cave. The magician cried out in a great hurry:
"Make haste and give me the lamp." This Aladdin refused to do until
he was out of the cave. The magician flew into a terrible passion,