They went through a long, narrow passage, then down many steps, until at last they entered a hall, which was lighted by a large lamp, suspended from the dome of the cavern.
Ching Chong was almost blinded by the reflection of the luminous crystals that, with curious prismatic effect, flooded the hall with a hundred glowing tints.
Great masses of gold lay scattered about, and huge seams ran through the rugged sides of the cavern.
"Is this rich enough for you?" said the giant, laughingly.
"Help yourself, lad, you remember I told you you should have all you could carry away."
The delighted Ching Chong began to gather up the gold and precious stones into his sack, and when he had secured all he could carry, throwing the sack over his shoulder, he thanked the giant, and begged him to let him go out of the cave.
"Go on!" replied the giant, with a mocking laugh. "You're welcome to the treasure, but I'm thinking you'll find it hard work to move that stone from the mouth of the cave."
Then Ching Chong threw down the treasure at his feet, crying, with tears in his eyes, "Take back your riches, and let me go out into the sunshine! the beautiful sunshine! Oh! good giant, take back your gold, and give me my poverty, and my liberty!"
"What a pretty actor! go on! go on!" said the delighted giant, and when Ching Chong threw himself on his knees before him, wringing his hands in silent despair, he laughed till the mountain cavern rung.
"Do you think I will let you go? You are my slave now! and the sunshine! the beautiful sunshine! you shall never see again."