Magrib was certain that Aladdin was the right boy.
He reached his long arm into the crowd of children and grabbed Aladdin's sleeve.
"Come here, my boy," he said.
"Tell me—are you the son of a poor tailor?"
"Oh yes, I am," said Aladdin, "but my father died years ago."
"He's dead?" cried the magician.
With a groan, he threw his arms around Aladdin's neck and began to weep.
"Why are you crying?"
asked Aladdin, his eyes wide with surprise.
"Did you know my father?"
"Did I know him?" exclaimed the magician.
"Your father was my brother!
And now you say he is dead!"
Tears poured down his cheeks.
"I am Magrib, your uncle.
I have traveled over deserts and mountains to see him.
But I am too late!"
"I'm so sorry," said Aladdin.
"My father never spoke of you."
"The moment I saw you, I knew you were my brother's son,"
murmured Magrib, still weeping.
"You look just like him.
Your handsome nose!
Your black eyes!"
He squeezed Aladdin closer to his chest.
"Oh, my child, I must accept God's will and take comfort that you, my own nephew, are alive and well.
Now tell me, where do you live?
Where is your mother, my brother's wife?"
Aladdin led Magrib to a street of crooked houses made of mud and wood.
"Just go to the end of the road and you will be at our door."
Instead, Magrib reached into his sleeve and brought out five gold coins.
"Go," he said.
"Take these to your mother and tell her that your uncle has come.
This evening I will visit my brother's house.
Tell your mother to prepare a fine meal for us all."
"I will happily do as you say, my uncle!"
said Aladdin, amazed at the coins in his hands.
He had never seen so much money, and he ran home as fast as he could.
When Aladdin arrived, his mother was busy spinning yarn.
She was surprised to see her son.
"I never see you except at mealtime," she said, "and supper is hours away.
What do you want from me?"
"Mother!" he cried. "I have great news!
I bring greetings from my uncle!"
"Uncle?" said Zeba. "You have no uncle!"
"Listen," replied Aladdin. "It is true!"
The boy told her everything that had happened and all that Magrib had said.
Then Aladdin gave his mother the coins.
They sparkled in her hand.
"Your father never spoke of a brother," she said.
"Is it possible?"
"Yes, Mother," said Aladdin.
"And my uncle is coming to eat with us tonight!"
"Tonight!" cried Zeba.
"I must get ready!
There is so much to do!"
Aladdin's mother took the coins and hurried to the market.
She bought olive oil, cheese, and a plump chicken.
Back at home, she set out her best dishes and laid out a colorful dinner cloth.
She baked bread and toasted almonds.
Finally the meal was ready, but Magrib had not yet arrived.
"Well, where is he?" asked Zeba.
"Maybe he got lost," said Aladdin.
"Lost?" said his mother. "You may be right.
Run to the corner and look for him!"
Just then they heard a knock on their door.