The naughty boy had managed to change his voice , so that she did not know it for his , and he had concealed himself so well that , though she peered about all round her , she could see no one . As soon as she had turned the corner the Shifty Lad came out , and by running very fast through the wood he contrived to reach home before his mother , who found him stretched out comfortably before the fire . ` Well , have you got any news to tell me ? ' asked he . ` No , nothing ; for I left the church at once , and did not stop to speak to anyone . ' ` Oh , then no one has mentioned a trade to you ? ' he said in tones of disappointment . ` Ye -- es , ' she replied slowly . ` At least , as I walked down the path a voice cried out `` Robbery ! Robbery ! Robbery ! '' but that was all . ' ` And quite enough too , ' answered the boy . ` What did I tell you ? That is going to be my trade . ' ` Then your end will be hanging at the bridge of Dublin , ' said she . But there was no sleep for her that night , for she lay in the dark thinking about her son . ` If he is to be a thief at all , he had better be a good one . And who is there that can teach him ? ' the mother asked herself .
But an idea came to her , and she arose early , before the sun was up , and set off for the home of the Black Rogue , or Gallows Bird , who was such a wonderful thief that , though all had been robbed XXXXX him , no one could catch him .
At If about as by for in of that through