The Most Dangerous Game 20

“You don’t mean–” cried Rainsford. “My dear fellow,” said the general, “have I not told you I always meanwhat I say about hunting? This is really an inspiration. I drink to afoeman worthy of my steel – at last.” The general raised his glass, butRainsford sat staring at him. “You’ll find this game worth playing,” the general saidenthusiastically.” Your brain against mine. Your woodcraft against mine.Your strength and stamina against mine. Outdoor chess! And the stake isnot without value, eh?” “And if I win -” began Rainsford huskily. “I’ll cheerfully acknowledge myself defeat if I do not find you bymidnight of the third day,” said General Zaroff. “My sloop will placeyou on the mainland near a town.” The general read what Rainsford wasthinking. “Oh, you can trust me,” said the Cossack. “I will give you my word as agentleman and a sportsman. Of course you, in turn, must agree to saynothing of your visit here.” “I’ll agree to nothing of the kind,” said Rainsford. “Oh,” said the general, “in that case… But why discuss that now? Threedays hence we can discuss it over a bottle of Veuve Cliquot, unless…” The general sipped his wine.