It is an example of a plot complication. The reader is surprised to learn that Jim has sold his watch to buy Della the hair combs.
Rip Van Winkle, short story by Washington Irving, published in The Sketch Book in 1819–20. ... Rip Van Winkle is an amiable farmer who wanders into the Catskill Mountains, where he comes upon a group of dwarfs playing ninepins. Rip accepts their offer of a drink of liquor and promptly falls asleep.
Van Winkle's neighbor who went off to war while Van Winkle was sleeping. Woman who identifies Van Winkle when he returns to the village after his sleep. The oldest resident of the village, who confirms Van Winkle's identity and cites evidence indicating Van Winkle's strange tale is true.
Hope this helps!
