Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

LONG long ago there lived in the capital of China a young boy, Aladdin, the son of a very poor widow. One day as he played in the street with his companions, a stranger who was passing stopped and spoke to him.

"Child, was not your father called Mustapha the tailor" he asked.

"Yes, sir," answered Aladdin, "but he has been dead a long time."

At these words the stranger threw his arms about Aladdin's neck, kissed him several times, and with tears in his eyes said:

"I am your uncle; your worthy father was my own brother. I knew you at first sight, you are so like him."

He then gave the boy a handful of money, saying:

"Go, my son, to your mother. Give my love to her and tell her that I will visit her tomorrow, that I may see where my good brother lived so long and ended his days."

Aladdin's mother was much surprised to learn that her husband had a brother, but she rejoiced with her son at the good fortune which had come to him, for the stranger promised to buy Aladdin a shop, and to dress him as handsomely as the best merchants in the city. '

Early the next morning the stranger called to take Aladdin into the country to spend the day.

After walking some distance they reached a narrow valley between two mountains. Here Aladdin's companion paused and bade him gather up all the dry sticks he could find. These the stranger set on fire. Then, pouring some incense into the blaze, he pronounced several magical words, and immediately the earth opened, disclosing a stone with a brass ring fixed in it.

Aladdin was greatly frightened, and would have run away; but the, stranger caught hold of him and said:

"Do not be afraid. 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. Take hold of the ring and lift up the stone."

Aladdin did as he was told; and there appeared under the stone a staircase leading down to a door.

"Descend those steps, my son, and open that door," said the stranger. "It will lead you into a palace divided into three great halls. Before you enter the first hall be sure to tuck up your robe and wrap it about you, for if your clothes so much as touch the wall you will die instantly. Then pass through, the second and third halls without stopping. At the end of the third you will find a door which opens into a garden, planted with fine trees loaded with fruit.