"What happened when you came before the King?"
"He wanted a beautiful palace to be built within twelve months. God hearkened to my prayer and within twelve hours the palace was erected."
"This is all very wonderful."
"Naturally; whatever God does is marvelous. I assumed the role of a slave, and as a good price had been paid for my services, I determined to give good value in return. The palace which has been built through my prayer is, of course, worth more than a thousand times the money paid to you."
"How, saintly Elijah, Man of God, can I repay you! You have saved my life and the lives of my wife and children."
"You can repay me by living a good life, ever helping all God's children in distress."
"This I faithfully promise to do."
The next moment Elijah had vanished, leaving the happy man full of joy and gratitude in his heart.
Beth Hammidrash (ed. Jellinek, v. pp. 140f.); see also Baer's Hebrew Prayer Book (pp. 316f.).
