heir example."

When they had eaten as much as they liked, they got up, and pursued
their walk through gardens separated from one another only by small
ditches, which marked out the limits without interrupting the
communication; so great was the confidence the inhabitants reposed in
each other.

By this means the African magician drew Aladdin insensibly beyond the
gardens, and crossed the country, till they nearly reached the
mountains.

At last they arrived between two mountains of moderate height and
equal size, divided by a narrow valley, where the magician intended to
execute the design that had brought him from Africa to China.

"We will go no farther now," said he to Aladdin. "I will show you
here some extraordinary things, which, when you have seen, you will
thank me for; but while I strike a light, gather up all the loose dry
sticks you can see, to kindle a fire with."

Aladdin found so many dried sticks that he soon collected a great
heap. The magician presently set them on fire; and when they were in a
blaze he threw in some incense, pronouncing several magical words,
which Aladdin did not understand.

He had scarcely done so when the earth opened just before the
magician, and disclosed a stone with a brass ring fixed in it. Aladdin
was so frightened that he would have run away, but the magician caught
hold of him, and gave him such a box on the ear that he knocked him
down. Aladdin got up trembling, and, with tears in his eyes, said to
the magician, "What have I done, uncle, to be treated in this severe
manner?"

"I am your uncle," answered the magician; "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 anything of you, but
that, if you obey me punctually, you will reap the advantages which I
intend you. 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 to me."

Aladdin, amazed at all he saw and heard, 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."

"