This stranger was a sorcerer, known as the African magician, as he had
been but two days arrived from Africa, his native country.
The African magician, observing in Aladdin's countenance something
which assured him that he was a fit boy for his purpose, inquired his
name and history of his companions. When he had learned all he desired
to know, he went up to him, and taking him aside from his comrades,
said, "Child, was not your father called Mustapha the tailor?"
"Yes, sir," answered the boy, "but he has been dead a long time."
At these words the African magician threw his arms about Aladdin's
neck, and kissed him several times, with tears in his eyes, saying, "I
am your uncle. Your worthy father was my own brother. I knew you at
first sight, you are so like him."
Then he gave Aladdin a handful of small money, saying, "Go, my son, to
your mother. Give my love to her, and tell her that I will visit her
to-morrow, that I may see where my good brother lived so long, and
ended his days."
Aladdin ran to his mother, overjoyed at the money his uncle had given
him.
"Mother," said he, "have I an uncle?"
"No, child," replied his mother, "you have no uncle by your father's
side or mine."
"I am just now come," said Aladdin, "from a man who says he is my
uncle, and my father's brother. He cried, and kissed me, when I told
him my father was dead, and gave me money, sending his love to you,
and promising to come and pay you a visit, that he may see the house
my father lived and died in.
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