"My good woman, what can I do for you? I am young, but, as for you, age has already begun to bear heavily on you. Command, and I will obey you in all things."
But imagine Abdallah's surprise when, instead of the old woman, he saw before him the most charming young girl that it is possible to imagine. Her long blond hair floated on her shoulders, and her rich garments fell in gracious folds around her.
Overcome with admiration and respect Abdallah fell on his knees in the dust; but the good fairy said to him:
"Arise! I am happy to see that you are not ungrateful. Make two wishes, and they will be immediately granted, for I am the queen of the fairies."
The young man reflected a moment and said:
"I desire above all things a bag in which everything I want will be found in an instant."
"Your demand is certainly original," said the fairy, smiling. "What can you do with such a sack?"
"A great many things," exclaimed the young man, enthusiastically; "will you grant my request?"
"So be it," said the fairy; "and what is your second wish?"
"A stick that will do my bidding."