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, 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 he 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 disclosed 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, if you obey me punctually, you will reap the advantages which I
intend you.
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