question_answer 13)

What did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought he was?  

Answer:

When the ironmaster realized his mistake, the stranger made no attempt to hide or pretend. But, he said that it was not his fault as he had never pretended to be anything but a poor trader. He had pleaded and begged to be allowed to stay in the forge. But, no harm had been done. He could even now put on his rags again and go away.