But Aladdin refused, saying, "I must build a palace fit for her," and took his leave.

The palace was finished by next day, and the genie carried him there and showed him all his orders faithfully carried out, even to the laying of a velvet carpet from Aladdin's palace to the Sultan's.

After the wedding had taken place Aladdin led her into the hall, where a feast was spread, and she supped with him, after which they danced till midnight.

Next day Aladdin invited the Sultan to see the palace.

"No, sir, by design," returned Aladdin. "I wished your Majesty to have the glory of finishing this palace."

Aladdin, knowing that their task was vain, bade them undo their work and carry the jewels back, and the genie finished the window at his command.

Aladdin had won the hearts of the people by his gentle bearing.

But far away in Africa the magician remembered Aladdin, and by his magic arts discovered that Aladdin, instead of perishing miserably in the cave, had escaped, and had married a princess, with whom he was living in great honour and wealth.

"Have you not heard of Prince Aladdin's palace," was the reply, "the greatest wonder of the world?

He determined to get hold of the lamp, and again plunge Aladdin into the deepest poverty.

Unluckily, Aladdin had gone a-hunting for eight days, which gave the magician plenty of time.

Now this was the magic lamp, which Aladdin had left there, as he could not take it out hunting with him.

Next morning the Sultan looked out of the window towards Aladdin's palace and rubbed his eyes, for it was gone.

At that instant the vizir, who saw that the crowd had forced their way into the courtyard and were scaling the walls to rescue Aladdin, called to the executioner to stay his hand.

Aladdin was so amazed that he could not say a word.