"I'm not going to ask you to do much. Just go down that manhole. I'm much
too big to squeeze through myself. If you do as I ask, you'll have your
reward." The stranger helped Aladdin lift the manhole cover, for it was very
heavy. Slim and agile as he was, the boy easily went down. His feet touched
stone and he carefully made his way down some steps . . . and found himself in
a large chamber. It seemed to sparkle, though dimly lit by the flickering
light of an old oil lamp. When Aladdin's eyes became used to the gloom, he
saw a wonderful sight: trees dripping with glittering jewels, pots of gold and
caskets full of priceless gems. Thousands of precious objects lay scattered
about. It was a treasure trove! Unable to believe his eyes, Aladdin was
standing dazed when he heard a shout behind him.
"The lamp! Put out the flame and bring me the lamp!" Surprised and
suspicious, for why should the stranger, out of all such a treasure want only
an old lamp, Aladdin wondered. Perhaps he was a wizard. He decided to be on
his guard. Picking up the lamp, he retraced his steps up to the entrance.
"Give me the lamp," urged the wizard impatiently. "Hand it over," he began
to shout, thrusting out his arm to grab it, but Aladdin cautiously drew back.
"Let me out first . . ."
