Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/95

Rh palace stood complete. Elijah was well satisfied and went on his way. He was seen no more in the King's city.

At daybreak the people heard from the slaves who had gone to continue their tasks that the palace had been miraculously built overnight. The extraordinary news was at once communicated to the King. He went immediately to the wood to see the miracle. Needless to say he was mightily pleased with everything he saw. He rejoiced to see the wish of his heart realized in such a brief space of time. Everything was done in accordance with his plan. There was not a single defect to be seen.

"Bring me," he cried, "the marvelous slave who has performed the greatest miracle ever heard of in my kingdom."

The servants of the King searched everywhere for the slave, but he was not to be found. This was reported to the King, who remarked,—"This is another miracle."

He now saw that the slave was no ordinary one.

"I believe," he added, "that the slave was an angel."

Meanwhile Elijah had gone to visit the man whom he had befriended. When the latter saw him he cried,—

"You have indeed come to see me within the twenty-four hours as you promised. Tell me, good friend, who are you?"

"I am Elijah the prophet."