Question -
Answer -
In the dim light of the forge, the ironmaster mistook the Peddler, due to his unkempt appearance and shabby clothes, to be his old colleague in the regiment who had fallen on bad days. He wanted to help his ‘old colleague’ and so invited him to his residence, so that he may be helped.
But the Peddler declined the invitation because he understood that his real identity would be exposed at the ironmaster’s home, when the ironmaster saw him properly. Then he may be turned over to the police. As he was carrying the Crofter’s stolen money with him, he did not want to get caught with the money, as the Crofter would definitely have reported the matter to the police. Consequently, he declined the ironmaster’s invitation.