[Outside:] Rip Van Winkle.
A dead pause ensues.—Suddenly a noise like the rolling of cannonballs is heard—then a discordant shout of laughter.—Rip wakes and sits up astonished.
Rip.
What [the deuce][113] is that? [my wife] at mine elbow? Oh, no, nothing of the kind: I must have been dreaming; so I'll contrive to nap, since I'm far enough from her din. [Reclines and sleeps.[114]
Voice
[Outside.] Rip Van Winkle. [The laugh being repeated, Rip again awakes.[115]
Rip.
I can't be mistaken dis time. Plague on't, I've got among the spirits of the mountains, metinks, and haven't a drop of spirits left to keep them off.
Swaggrino.
[116][Without.] Rip Van Winkle! Rip Van Winkle.