Untitled

SINDBAD OUTWITTED.
73
doubt if I ever leave home again," replied
Sindbad, settling
himself in his cushions.
" So you said between every two voyages," replied
the Chimney-Elf scornf "
nlly. Well, where "
is it ?
" The carpet ?
Oh, it is in the camphor-chest, to
keep it from the moths. All ! "
Sindbad clapped his hands as he spoke, and a tall
negro immediately appeared
from the inside of the
house-ship: Rhoda recognized him as the slave who
was sent to invite Hindbad the porter to eat dinner
with Sindbad every day, and pay by listening to his
stories.
"Ali, bring the magic carpet!" commanded
Sindbad.
Ali, disappearing, returned presently
with a small
square package under his arm. Untying and unrolling
this, it proved to be a small Turkey rug, about six feet
square, very dingy in color and considerably worn.
" Is that really the magic carpet? " exclaimed Rhoda,
rising and coming closer to it.
" Yes, my dear, it really is. Sit down on it, if you
like ;
but be careful not to wish yourself anywhere ;
or
if
you should, take care to wish yourself
back here
directly," said Sindbad good-hnmoredly.
Rhoda smiled,
and timidly seated herself in the middle of the carpet.
At the same instant something sprang to her side and
caught her by the arm, while a shrill voice cried out :
" "
I wish myself at home !