Early the next morning the magician came for Aladdin, saying they would spend that day in the country, and on the next would buy the shop.  So away they walked through the gardens and palaces outside one of the gates of the city.  Each palace seemed more beautiful than the last, and they had gone far before Aladdin thought the morning half gone.  By the brink of a fountain they rested, and ate the cakes and fruit which the magician took from his girdle.  At the same time he gave the boy good advice about the company he should keep.  On they went again after their repast, still farther into the country, till they nearly reached the place, between two mountains, where the magician intended to do the work that had brought him from Africa to China.

“We will go no farther now,” said he to Aladdin.  “I will show you here some strange things.  While I strike a light, gather me all the loose, dry sticks you can see, to kindle a fire with.”

There was soon a great heap of them, and when they were in a blaze the magician threw in some incense, and spoke magical words which Aladdin did not understand.

This was scarcely done when the earth opened just before the magician, and they both saw a stone with a brass ring fixed in it.  Aladdin was so frightened that he would have run away, but the magician seized him and gave him a box on the ear that knocked him down.

“What have I done, to be treated so?” cried Aladdin, trembling.

“I am your uncle,” was the answer; “I stand in your father’s place; make no replies.  But, child,” he added, softening, “do not be afraid.  I shall ask nothing but that you obey me promptly, if you would have the good things I intend for you.  Know, then, that under this stone there is a treasure that will make you richer than the greatest monarch on earth.  No one but yourself may lift this stone or enter the cave; so you must do instantly whatever I command, for this is a matter of great importance to both of us.”

“Well, uncle, what is to be done?” said Aladdin, losing his fear.

“Take hold of the ring and lift up that stone.”

“Indeed, uncle, I am not strong enough; you must help me.”

“No,” said the magician; “if I help you we can do nothing.  Lift it yourself, and it will come easily.”  Aladdin obeyed, raised the stone with ease, and laid it on one side.

When the stone was pulled up, there appeared a staircase about three or four feet deep, leading to a door.  “Descend, my son,” said the magician, “and open that door.  It will lead you into a palace divided into three great halls.  Before you enter the first, tuck up your robe with care.  Pass through the three halls, but never touch the walls, even with your clothes.  If you do you will die instantly.  At the end of the third hall you will find a door opening into a garden planted with trees loaded with fine fruit.  Walk directly across the garden to a terrace, where you will see a niche before