Final answer:
Ichabod is sidetracked from his plan by a frightening encounter with a mysterious traveler, mirroring a ghostly legend, which leaves him fearful and distracted.
Step-by-step explanation:
The narrator in Chapter 13 is sidetracked from his plan to spring Ishmael due to an eerie midnight encounter that mirrors the tale of Brom Bones and the Galloping Hessian.
As the narrator, Ichabod, attempts to leave the mysterious traveler behind, the person keeps pace with him, causing Ichabod to feel increasingly uneasy and fearful.
This encounter causes such distraction and fear that Ichabod forgets his plan entirely, gets lost in his own trepidation, and is unable to focus on anything but the intimidating presence of the stranger.
In Chapter 13, the narrator's plan to spring Ishmael is sidetracked by a mysterious and dogged companion who matches his pace and prevents him from lagging behind. The narrator's heart sinks as he realizes that he is unable to shake off this companion, and his fear grows when they reach a rising ground and the companion's figure becomes more visible against the sky.