Aladdin's eyes grew wide as he slowly stepped back from the opening.
"You want me to go down there alone?" he said.
"Don't be afraid," said Magrib.
"There's no danger if you do exactly as I say.
It's an enchanted treasury.
You will return with more riches than a king!"
The magician threw his arm around Aladdin.
"Just think of it!"
"I don't know, Uncle," said Aladdin, worried.
"The stairway has fifty steps and leads to a golden chamber,"
said Magrib, hugging the boy closer.
"When you reach the last step, you will see four golden jars."
Magrib's voice seemed to put a magic spell on the boy.
Aladdin's worry turned to excitement.
"Is the treasure in the jars?"
"No, boy," said Magrib. "Beware of those jars.
Don't touch them.
Don't even let the edge of your pants brush up against them."
Aladdin's smile disappeared.
"I will surely keep far away from those jars," he said.
"And watch out for the walls," said Magrib.
"Don't touch them either.
Move very carefully as you walk through the room."
"I will be very, very careful, Uncle," said Aladdin.
"But don't take too long," smiled Magrib.
"I will hurry!"
"Next, you will see a closed door," continued the magician.
"Command the door to open just as you commanded the stone to rise.
Then you will find yourself in a most beautiful garden.
Didn't I promise you another garden, Aladdin?"
"Yes, you did, Uncle!" said Aladdin brightly.
"Is this where I'll find the treasure?"
"No, no," said the magician.
"Pay attention! Follow the garden path for one hundred paces.
Then you will be close, very close to the prize of a lifetime!"
"The treasure! Go on, Uncle!"
"A tall ladder will be leaning against the garden wall.
When you have climbed up thirty steps, you will see a hole in the wall.
Inside, you will find a brass lamp hanging on a chain.
Take it and put it inside your jacket.
Climb back down and bring the lamp to me."
"A lamp?" said Aladdin, puzzled.
"What about the treasure?"
"You must bring me the lamp!"
cried Magrib, his hands shaking.
Then he calmed himself.
"But on your way back, feel free to pick from the fruit trees in the garden.
You may take anything you want—as long as you have the lamp!"
"I will obey you, Uncle," said Aladdin.
"So, my boy, it is time to go.
You are a man now, not a child.
And if you follow my instructions, you will soon be a very rich man, the richest of all!"
Magrib lowered Aladdin through the opening and down onto a stone step.
"Wait!" said Magrib as he took a ring from his finger.
"This ring will protect you from all danger and fear.
Wear it until you return."
Magrib reached down and slid the ring onto Aladdin's finger. "Now go!"
Aladdin went down one stone step and turned to look up at Magrib.
All he could see were the magician's eyes glowing from beneath his hood.
Aladdin turned away and disappeared into the shadows.