The Rattrap by Selma Lagerlof

The rattrap seller is a homeless fellow who stays in the

crofters cottage for a night. The crofter entertains him as a
guest and friend. But the rattrap seller returns later the next
day, smashes the window pane and steals the money of the
crofter.
The fortune however turns later when the iron master
mistaking him to be an old comrade takes him home. There
he stays for two days as his guest. Once again he is on his
way to continue his usual profession of selling rattraps,
thievery and begging. But he sends a letter to the iron
masters daughter telling her that she was a wonderful
hostess and he cannot lie to her. He also returned the
money that he had stolen from the crofter and asked her to
return it. He lets her know that this whole world is like a rat
trap. Just like the rats are trapped by cheese and food
similarly men are lured by land, food, shelter, clothing etc.
these are baits. Those who touch them are trapped