The Most Dangerous Game 24

Rainsford held his breath. The general’s eyes had left the ground andwere traveling inch by inch up the tree. Rainsford froze there, everymuscle tensed for a spring. But the sharp eyes of the hunter stoppedbefore they reached the limb where Rainsford lay; a smile spread overhis brown face. Very deliberately he blew a smoke ring into the air;then he turned his back on the tree and walked carelessly away, backalong the trail he had come. The swish of the underbrush against hishunting boots grew fainter and fainter. The pent-up air burst hotly from Rainsford’s lungs. His first thoughtmade him feel sick and numb. The general could follow a trail throughthe woods at night; he could follow an extremely difficult trail; hemust have uncanny powers; only by the merest chance had the Cossackfailed to see his quarry. Rainsford’s second thought was even more terrible. It sent a shudder ofcold horror through his whole being. Why had the general smiled? Why hadhe turned back?