What made the peddler finally change …

The writer has highlighted the fact that a petty peddler-cum thief gets an opportunity to rise himself to the standard of a real captain through the goodness, sympathy, love and considerate behaviour of Edla Willmansson. His philosophical attitude towards life is changed and he turns out to be a reformed man.

At her father’s request, Edla brings the peddler to her house for the Christmas Cheer since her father has considered him to be his old aquaintance of a regiment. While on his way to the manor house, the peddler realises that he has voluntarily offered himself to the lion's den. After reaching the ironmaster's house, the peddler is beautifully dressed and shaved by the valet. When he enters for the breakfast, the ironmaster realises his mistake about him. The truth is exposed and the ironmaster threatens to call for the Sheriff. But here Edla plays a significant role. She intercedes for the vagabond and pleads that the peddler hardly finds a single home where he is welcome. He is always chased away. She advocates to let him enjoy a day of peace in their company. She even does not think it nice to chase away a man whom they have themselves invited for Christmas cheer. The rattrap man does not utter a word but goes on looking at the girl in utter astonishment. All these circumstancial events go on jolting the peddler from his evil ways. In a way the ironmaster has declared the peddler a thief. When they return from the church service, they find everything infact. The valet tells about a package has been left by the peddler while leaving the house. She finds a letter a rattrap and a thirty Kroner bill. She feels utmost happy since the peddler has shown true faith in her. His letter states that the rattrap is a Christmas present from a ‘rat’ who would have been caught if he had not been raised to a captain.