why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?

Dear Student,
The young girl Edla had trusted the peddler by letting him stay at her place on the Christmas eve. She showed her kindness even after she knew the true identity of the peddler of not being a captain but as a poor vagabond. She was dejected at first to know the robbery done by the peddler but then the gift left at her place made her restore her trust in him. She realised that he was changed. The package contained a rattrap and three wrinkled ten kronor notes which made her very happy. 


Hope this helps.

Regards