The Most Dangerous Game 19

Then, taking a second helping of cr�pes Suzette, the generalexplained: “The hunting was not good last night. The fellow lost hishead. He made a straight trail that offered no problems at all. That’sthe trouble with these sailors; they have dull brains to begin with, andthey do not know how to get about in the woods. They do excessivelystupid and obvious things. It’s most annoying. Will you have anotherglass of Chablis, Mr. Rainsford?” “General,” said Rainsford firmly, “I wish to leave this island at once.” The general raised his thickets of eyebrows; he seemed hurt. “But, mydear fellow,” the general protested, “you’ve only just come. You’ve hadno hunting–” “I wish to go today,” said Rainsford. He saw the dead black eyes of thegeneral on him, studying him. General Zaroff’s face suddenly brightened. He filled Rainsford’s glass with venerable Chablis from a dusty bottle. “Tonight,” said the general, “we will hunt–you and I.” Rainsford shook his head. “No, general,” he said. “I will not hunt.” The general shrugged his shoulders and delicately ate a hothouse grape.”As you wish, my friend,” he said. “The choice rests entirely with you.But may I not venture to suggest that you will find my idea of sportmore diverting than Ivan’s?” He nodded toward the corner to where the giant stood, scowling, histhick arms crossed on his hogshead of chest.