the magician, “What have I done, uncle, to be treated in this severe manner?” “I have my reasons,” answered the magician:  “I am your uncle, I supply the place of your father, and you ought to make no reply.  But, child,” added he, softening, “do not be afraid; for I shall not ask any thing of you, but that you obey me punctually, if you would reap the advantages which I intend you.”  These fair promises calmed Alla ad Deen’s fears and resentment; and when the magician saw that he was appeased, he said to him, “You see what I have done by virtue of my incense, and the words I pronounced.  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 may command, for it is a matter of great consequence both to you and me.”

Alla ad Deen, amazed at all he saw and heard the magician say of the treasure which was to make him happy, forgot what was past, and rising, said, “Well, uncle, what is to be done?  Command me, I am ready to obey.”  “I am overjoyed, child,” said the African magician, embracing him; “take hold of the ring, and lift up that stone.”  “Indeed, uncle,” replied Alla ad Deen, “I am not strong enough, you must help me.”  “You have no occasion for my assistance,” answered the magician; “if I help you, we shall be able to do nothing; take hold of the ring, pronounce the names of your father and grandfather, then lift it up, and you will find it will come easily.”  Alla ad Deen did as the magician bade him, raised the stone with ease, and laid it on one side.

When the stone was pulled up, there appeared a cavity of about three or four feet deep, with a little door, and steps to go down lower.  “Observe, my son,” said the African magician, “what I direct.  Descend into the cave, and when you are at the bottom of those steps you will find a door open, which will lead you into a spacious vault, divided into three great halls, in each of which you will see four large brass cisterns placed on each side, full of gold and silver; but take care you do not meddle with them.  Before you enter the first hall, be sure to tuck up your vest, wrap it about you, and then pass through the second into the third without stopping.  Above all things, have a care that you do not touch the walls, so much as with your clothes; for if you do, you will die instantly.  At the end of the third hall, you will find a door which opens into a garden planted with fine trees loaded with fruit; walk directly across the garden by a path which will lead you to five steps that will bring you upon a terrace, where you will see a niche before you, and in that niche a lighted lamp.  Take the lamp down, and extinguish it:  when you have thrown away the wick, and poured out the liquor, put it in your vestband and bring it to me.  Do not be afraid that the liquor will spoil your clothes, for it is not oil; and the lamp will be dry as soon as it is thrown out.  If you should wish for any of the fruit of the garden, you may gather as much as you please.”