PLEASE HELP Read the passage.

excerpt from “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving

It was determined, however, to take the opinion of old Peter Vanderdonk, who was seen slowly advancing up the road. He was a descendant of the historian of that name, who wrote one of the earliest accounts of the province. Peter was the most ancient inhabitant of the village, and well versed in all the wonderful events and traditions of the neighborhood. He recollected Rip at once, and corroborated his story in the most satisfactory manner. He assured the company that it was a fact, handed down from his ancestor the historian, that the Kaatskill Mountains had always been haunted by strange beings. That it was affirmed that the great Hendrick Hudson, the first discoverer of the river and country, kept a kind of vigil there every twenty years, with his crew of the Half-Moon, being permitted in this way to revisit the scenes of his enterprise, and keep a guardian eye upon the river, and the great city called by his name. That his father had once seen them in their old Dutch dresses playing at nine-pins in a hollow of the mountain; and that he himself had heard, one summer afternoon, the sound of their balls, like long peals of thunder.

How does this description of the Kaatskill Mountains affect the text?

It contrasts with earlier descriptions of the Kaatskill Mountains by focusing on darker, more dangerous elements.

It lends credibility to Rip’s explanation of his disappearance, which helps him reconnect and reclaim his place within his community.

It provides background information about the history of the Kaatskill Mountains and its earliest settlers.

It explains that Rip is descended from some of the village’s original founders, which establishes his importance to the community.