The narrator, Compote, is buying two staircases from a resident seller: a cheap one for one Emerald and an expensive one for nine stacks of Emeralds. Compote starts by testing the cheap staircase, which is infested with cockroaches and has a broken step. Despite the difficulties, Compote manages to climb the staircase and reaches a house that appears to be abandoned. He then moves on to the expensive staircase, which has an escalator that doesn't work. Compote fixes the escalator by rearranging the colored wires. However, he is stopped by a guard who demands a pass. Compote eventually finds the pass hidden under a rug and gains access to the house, which is luxurious and filled with diamonds, emeralds, and other treasures. In the end, Compote concludes that the expensive staircase was worth the investment, despite the initial difficulties.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator is buying two staircases, one cheap and one expensive, from a resident seller.
2. The narrator found emeralds on the stairs.
3. The cheap staircase has cockroaches on it.
4. The narrator had to restore the cheap staircase by placing steps and handrails.
5. The expensive staircase has an escalator that needs to be fixed.
6. The narrator had to fix the escalator by placing wires in the correct order.
7. The expensive staircase has lava steps and handrails.
8. The narrator had to navigate through the lava to reach the top of the staircase.
9. The narrator found a secret pass hidden under a rug.
10. The narrator gained access to a luxurious house with diamond and gold edging.
11. The house contains many diamonds, emeralds, and other treasures.
12. The narrator was pleased with the purchase of the expensive staircase.
13. The narrator bought two ladders, the cheapest and the most expensive, and concluded that the most expensive ladder was the better purchase.