The African magician, provoked at
this obstinate refusal, flew into a passion, threw a little of his
incense into the fire, and pronounced two magical words, when the
stone which had closed the mouth of the staircase moved into its
place, with the earth over it in the same manner as it lay at the
arrival of the magician and Aladdin.
This action of the magician plainly revealed to Aladdin that he was no
uncle of his, but one who designed him evil. The truth was that he had
learned from his magic books the secret and the value of this
wonderful lamp, the owner of which would be made richer than any
earthly ruler, and hence his journey to China. His art had also told
him that he was not permitted to take it himself, but must receive it
as a voluntary gift from the hands of another person. Hence he
employed young Aladdin, and hoped by a mixture of kindness and
authority to make him obedient to his word and will. When he found
that his attempt had failed, he set out to return to Africa, but
avoided the town, lest any person who had seen him leave in company
with Aladdin should make inquiries after the youth.
Aladdin, being suddenly enveloped in darkness, cried, and called out
to his uncle to tell him he was ready to give him the lamp. But in
vain, since his cries could not be heard.
He descended to the bottom of the steps, with a design to get into the
palace, but the door, which was opened before by enchantment, was now
shut by the same means.
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