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The foregoing tale, one would suspect, had been suggested
to Mr. Knickerbocker by a little German superstition
about Charles V. and the Kypphauser mountain;
the subjoined note, however, which he had appended
to the tale, shows that it is an absolute fact,
narrated with his usual fidelity:

“The story of Rip Van Winkle may seem incredible
to many, but nevertheless I give it my full belief, for
I know the vicinity of our old Dutch settlements to
have been very subject to marvellous events and appearances.
Indeed, I have heard many stranger stories
than this, in the villages along the Hudson; all of
which were too well authenticated to admit of a doubt.
I have even talked with Rip Van Winkle myself, who,
when last I saw him, was a very venerable old man,
and so perfectly rational and consistent on every
other point, that I think no conscientious person could
refuse to take this into the bargain; nay, I have seen
a certificate on the subject taken before a country
justice, and signed with a cross, in the justice's own
hand writing. The story, therefore, is beyond the
possibility of doubt.