The magician next pulled from his girdle a handkerchief with cakes and fruit, and during this short repast he exhorted his nephew to leave off bad company, and to seek that of wise and prudent men, to improve by their conversation; “for,” said he, “you will soon be at man’s estate, and you cannot too early begin to imitate their 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, which was the place 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, 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 discovered 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 you obey me punctually, if you would 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 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.”  “Indeed, uncle,” replied Aladdin, “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, and lift it up; you will find it will come easily.”  Aladdin did as the magician bade him, raised the stone with ease, and laid it on one side.