The moment he saw what the chest contained, he wished he’d never opened it…but it was too late now…

He started sweating uncontrollably, and stared with eyes like moons at the tiny object at the bottom of the chest. A solid, golden oil lamp. “No… no! How can this be?!” He screeched at the top of his lungs, but it wasn’t a human-like screech. “No… Please, I take it back! I’m sorry I stole that beautiful feather necklace and that exquisite moonstone ring! I had no idea, I BEG OF YOU!” But it was much too late for pitiful excuses and heartbreaking pleas. The transformation had already begun, and his cries became intense, high-pitched squeaks; his tan, hairy hands and feet became chestnut-brown, furry paws; and finally, his emerald-green eyes became small and beady. Then, just like that, the transformation was complete.