Page:The Arabian nights' entertainments - Longman 1898 Crown edition.djvu/65

 The hope of being no longer poor made the fisherman give way.

'If you will give me your promise to do this, I will open the lid. I do not think you will dare to break your word.'

The genius promised, and the fisherman lifted the lid. He came out at once in smoke, and then, having resumed



THE KING TURNS OVER THE LEAVES OF THE BOOK

his proper form, the first thing he did was to kick the vase into the sea. This frightened the fisherman, but the genius laughed and said, 'Do not be afraid; I only did it to frighten you, and to show you that I intend to keep my word; take your nets and follow me.'

He began to walk in front of the fisherman, who followed him with some misgivings. They passed in front of the town, and went up a mountain and then