Read the excerpt from “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving. He looked round for his gun, but in place of the clean, well-oiled fowling piece, he found an old firelock lying by him, the barrel incrusted with rust, the lock falling off, and the stock worm-eaten. He now suspected that the grave roysters of the mountain had put a trick upon him, and having dosed him with liquor, had robbed him of his gun. Wolf, too, had disappeared, but he might have strayed away after a squirrel or partridge. He whistled after him, shouted his name, but all in vain; the echoes repeated his whistle and shout, but no dog was to be seen.

How does this scene affect the text?

It describes the consequence of Rip’s absentmindedness and irresponsibility.

It foreshadows that something extraordinary has happened to Rip overnight.

It foreshadows that Rip is going to be in a great deal of trouble with his wife.

It explains why the mysterious men took advantage of Rip the night before.