So Aladdin was set free, and for three days he went about like a madman, asking every one he met where his palace was.  But no one could tell him, and all laughed at his misery.  Then he went to the river to drown himself; but as he knelt on the bank and clasped his hands to say his prayers before throwing himself in, he once more rubbed the Magic Ring.  Instantly the Genie of the Ring stood before him.

“What is thy will, O master?” it asked.

“Bring back my Princess and my palace,” cried Aladdin, “and save my life.”

“That I cannot do,” said the Slave of the Ring.  “Only the Slave of the Lamp has power to bring back thy palace.”

“Then take me to the place where my palace now stands,” said Aladdin, “and put me down beneath the window of the Princess.”

And almost before Aladdin had done speaking he found himself in Africa, beneath the windows of his own palace.

He was so weary that he lay down and fell fast asleep; but before long, when day dawned, he was awakened by the song of the birds, and as he looked around his courage returned.  He was now sure that all his misfortunes must have been caused by the loss of the Magic Lamp, and he determined to find out as soon as possible who had stolen it.

That same morning the Princess awoke feeling happier than she had felt since she had been carried off.  The sun was shining so brightly, and the birds were singing so gaily, that she went to the window to greet the opening day.  And who should she see standing beneath her window but Aladdin!

With a cry of joy she threw open the casement and the sound made Aladdin look up.  It was not long before he made his way through a secret door and held her in his arms.

“Tell me, Princess,” said Aladdin, when they had joyfully embraced each other many times, “what has become of the old lamp which hung in a niche of the great hall?”

“Alas! my husband,” answered the Princess, “I fear my carelessness has been the cause of all our misfortunes.”

Then she told him how the wicked old Magician had pretended to be a merchant, and had offered new lamps for old, and how he had thus managed to secure the Magic Lamp.

“He has it still,” she added, “for I know that he carries it always, hidden in his robe.”

“Princess,” said Aladdin, “I must recover this lamp, and thou shalt help me.  To-night when the Magician dines with thee, dress thyself in thy costliest robes, and be kind and gracious to him.  Then bid him fetch some of the wines of Africa, and when he is gone, I will tell thee what thou shalt do.”

So that night the Princess put on her most beautiful robes, and looked so lovely and was so kind when the Magician came in, that he could scarcely believe his eyes.  For she had been sad and angry ever since he had carried her off.

“I believe now that Aladdin must be dead,” she said, “and I have made up my mind to mourn no longer.  Let us begin our feast.  But see!  I grow weary of these wines of China, fetch me instead the wine of thy own country.”