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So each brother went his way; and as the eldest was hastening on

a man met him, and asked him where he was going, and what he

wanted. 'I am going to try my luck in the world, and should like

to begin by learning some art or trade,' answered he. 'Then,'

said the man, 'go with me, and I will teach you to become the

cunningest thief that ever was.' 'No,' said the other, 'that is

not an honest calling, and what can one look to earn by it in the

end but the gallows?' 'Oh!' said the man, 'you need not fear the

gallows; for I will only teach you to steal what will be fair

game: I meddle with nothing but what no one else can get or care

anything about, and where no one can find you out.' So the young

man agreed to follow his trade, and he soon showed himself so

clever, that nothing could escape him that he had once set his

mind upon.