Aladdin left the Princess Buddir al Buddoor that moment, and went up into the hall of four-and-twenty windows, where, pulling out of his bosom the lamp, which after the danger he had been exposed to be always carried about him, he rubbed it; upon which the genie immediately appeared.  “Genie,” said Aladdin, “I command thee, in the name of this lamp, bring a roc’s egg to be hung up in the middle of the dome of the hall of the palace.”  Aladdin had no sooner pronounced these words, than the hall shook as if ready to fall; and the genie said in a loud and terrible voice, “Is it not enough that I and the other slaves of the lamp have done everything for you, but you, by an unheard-of ingratitude, must command me to bring my master, and hang him up in the midst of this dome?  This attempt deserves that you, the princess, and the palace, should be immediately reduced to ashes; but you are spared because this request does not come from yourself.  Its true author is the brother of the African magician, your enemy whom you have destroyed.  He is now in your palace, disguised in the habit of the holy woman Fatima, whom he has murdered; at his suggestion your wife makes this pernicious demand.  His design is to kill you, therefore take care of yourself.”  After these words the genie disappeared.

Aladdin resolved at once what to do.  He returned to the princess’s apartment, and without mentioning a word of what had happened, sat down, and complained of a great pain which had suddenly seized his head.  On hearing this, the princess told him how she had invited the holy Fatima to stay with her, and that she was now in the palace; and at the request of the prince, ordered her to be summoned to her at once.

When the pretended Fatima came, Aladdin said, “Come hither, good mother; I am glad to see you here at so fortunate a time.  I am tormented with a violent pain in my head, and request your assistance, and hope you will not refuse me that cure which you impart to afflicted persons.”  So saying, he arose, but held down his head.  The counterfeit Fatima advanced toward him, with his hand all the time on a dagger concealed in his girdle under his gown; which Aladdin, observing, he snatched the weapon from his hand, pierced him to the heart with his own dagger, and then pushed him down on the floor.

“My dear prince, what have you done?” cried the princess, in surprise.  “You have killed the holy woman!” “No, my princess,” answered Aladdin with emotion, “I have not killed Fatima, but a villain, who would have assassinated me, if I had not prevented him.  This wicked man,” added he, uncovering his face, “is the brother of the magician who attempted our ruin.  He has strangled the true Fatima, and disguised himself in her clothes with intent to murder me.”  Aladdin then informed her how the genie had told him these facts, and how narrowly she and the palace had escaped destruction through his treacherous suggestion which had led to her request.