What rhetorical device does Twain use by referencing this well-known proverb

Even though the proverb was not posted here, this question is still perfectly answerable.

The rhetorical device Twain uses by referencing a well-known proverb is allusion.

Explanation:

Allusion is a figure of speech in which a reference is made to something or someone that has significance. The author does not explain much, since he/she assumes the audience knows who or what he/she refers to.

For instance, if someone says a woman is as beautiful as Helen of Troy, we would understand he/she means that woman is extremely beautiful. Helen of Troy is a famous character from the Iliad, by Homer, and she was the most beautiful woman in the world. The person making the allusion will not explain this fact, since it is well know.

Therefore, if Twain is referring to a well-known proverb, he is making an allusion to it.

one time i was sleeping on a bench outside of walgreens and someone offered me money because they thought i was homeless

explanation:

answer: buck is a dog living a charmed life on the estate of judge miller, during the time of the klondike gold rush in 1897. he is the king of all the animals on the estate and as such enjoys special privileges, such as the run of the estate and the admirable position of being the judge's favorite dog.

this all ends the day he accompanies manuel on a walk through the orchard to a flag station, where manuel sells him to a stranger. manuel sells buck, because he has gambling debts he needs to pay and a family to support.

this one act changes buck's life irrevocably. it is the catalyst for the rest of the story about buck and his transformation from domestic pet to wild animal.

explanation: read thoughroly ! and u will find your answer and the mean time i will be keeping my eye on you !