Why does the peddler enter the forest after stealing the money?

After stealing the money, the peddler enters the forest to evade capture and reflect on his actions. He seeks refuge among the trees, believing that hiding in the dense woods will keep him safe from the consequences of his theft. The forest symbolizes both his physical escape and his internal turmoil, as he grapples with feelings of guilt and the realization of his moral failure. This choice also deepens his sense of isolation and paranoia, as he fears being discovered not just by the crofter, but also by the world around him, reinforcing the themes of entrapment and redemption that run throughout the story.