He bowed again, extending his hands.
“Then please! please! take us away from here!” cried my sister.
“What is it you seek?” said the genie.
“We seek the best thing in the world!” cried my sister. “Take us where we may find it!”
“What do you mean by the best thing in the world?” said I to my sister.
“I don’t know,” said she; “but the genie ought to know, and he’ll take us where we may find it. Won’t you?” said she, looking up at him.
“Hearing is obedience!” said the genie, and little jets of fire spurted from his nostrils.
“Where will you take us?” said I.
“I will take you where you may find the best thing in the world,” said the genie. “And if you find it, it will be the best thing in the world for me too, because it will release me from the power of the One-Armed Sorcerer, who dwells in an island far out in the Great Sea. If you don’t find it, it will be your own fault, and in that case,—beware!”
“This sounds pretty doubtful,” said I.