t some terrible danger befall them. The
Negro waved his hand, and in a moment there came a sphinx paddling
a small banca towards them. They got into it, and the sphinx rowed
back to the other side. Then they walked on till they came to the
palace of the king of the demons, which was protected by two circular
walls. They knocked at the gate of the first. The moment they knocked,
it became dark all around them; lightnings flashed before their eyes,
and it thundered. Then the gate opened. After passing through the
first gate, they came to the second. "They knocked, and the gate flung
open. At once two lions ran out towards them with eyes glowing like
balls of fire, and were ready to spring upon them and devour them;
but on coming nearer the strangers, and recognizing the Negro, these
two kings of beasts wagged their tails as a sign of welcome.

The Negro and the prince were conducted to the king's throne. The
king of the demons asked them what they wanted. The prince spoke:
"King of the demons, I have found in the cellar of my palace a store
of gold coins and several diamond columns, my father's hidden treasure
which he forgot to mention in his will. The last column is locked
up in a separate apartment, and there is none who has the power to
unlock it but yourself."

"Young king," replied the king of the demons, "it is true that I am
the only one who can unlock it. I gave that diamond column to your
father as a gift which he might bequeath to his son; and if you are
his son, you shall have it. But, before giving it to you, I should
like to have you do me a favor in return for that rich gift. If you
will bring me a very beautiful woman to be my companion, one whose
heart is untainted by any worldly passion, I will unlock for you your
wished-for treasure, the diamond room."

At this request the young man stood speechless for some time. At
last, perplexed, he replied, "O king of the demons! it seems to me
impossible to fulfil your wish. I am not a man of superhuman power
to read into a woman's heart."

"Well," returned the king of the demons, taking out of his pocket a
small oval mirror, "if you see a beautiful woman, hold this mirror
before her face. If the surface of the mirror becomes clouded, leave
her; but if the surface of the mirror remains as clear as before,
bring her to me, for she is the one I want for my comfort."

The prince took the mirror, and with his Negro companion left the
palace to look for the desir