Question

why did the peddler decline the invitation​

Answer 1

Answer:

The peddler declined the invitation of the ironmaster to go to his house. He had stolen thirty kronors from the house of the crofter who lived in that area. So the peddler thought that going up to the manor house would be like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion's den.

Answer 2

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The peddler knew that the ironmaster had mistaken him for his old regimental comrade. Secondly, he had stolen money—thirty kronor—on him. Going to the ironmaster’s residence would be like entering the lion’s den. So, he declined the invitation