"You have won the game. He could staywhere he was and wait. mine. Off to the right he heard it,and his ears, expert in such matters, could not be mistaken.Again he heard the sound, and again. Then he leaped far out into the sea. . "You've good eyes," said Whitney, with a laugh," and I've seen you pick off a moose moving in the brown fall bush at four hundred yards, but even you can't see four miles or so through a moonless Caribbean night. The Cossack was the cat; he was the mouse. A haversack is a small, study bag, often made of canvas, that has one strap and is carried on the back or over a shoulder. During World War I, Connell served in France with the US Army. You're joking.\" \"Not at all,\" said the general.\"I never joke about hunting. I am worried, Mr. Rainsford. Outdoor chess!And the stake is not without value, eh?\" \"And if I win\" began Rainsford huskily. Please forgive any lapses. I'm really not feeling well.\" \"Ah, indeed?\" the general inquired solicitously. Ennui is a feeling of listlessness and a lack of energy or spirit caused by having nothing to do that is interesting or exciting. You've had no hunting". He flung himselfdown at the jungle edge and tumbled headlong into the deep-est sleep of his life. Even Captain Nielsen". \"And that was?\" The general smiled the quiet smile of one who has faced anobstacle and surmounted it with success. Then be sat down, took a drink of brandy from a silver flask, lit a cigarette, and hummed a bit from Madame Butterfly. \"They were no match at all for a hunter with hiswits about him, and a high-powered rifle. "My dear fellow," said the general, "have I not told you I always mean what I say about hunting? \"Ivan,\" he said toRainsford, \"will supply you with hunting clothes, food, a knife. I foundone. "I expect rather fair sporta big, strong, black. The general chuckled. He heard it again; then it was cut short by another noise, crisp, staccato. The Caribbean is southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and east of Central America. Three hundred yards from his hiding place hestopped where a huge dead tree leaned precariously on a smal-ler, living one. The sensory description contributes to the atmosphere of the dark, quiet tropical night. Zealous means fervent, passionate, wholehearted, and vigorous. Then he said slowly, "No. he said. "Well, I suppose that's only natural, after your long swim. 0000003979 00000 n The Cape buffalo is not the most dangerous big game." Turning to the giant in uniform, the general made a sign. Luckily for me I, too, have hunted in Malacca. I always' take a siesta after lunch. Then he added, hastily: \"I don't wish you to thinkme a braggart, Mr. Rainsford. So intent was the Cossack on his stalk-ing that he was upon the thing Rainsford had made before hesaw it. ' :=mGs0hC@?wD He staggered, but he did notfall; nor did he drop his revolver. His eyes madeout the shadowy outlines of a palatial chateau; it was set on ahigh bluff, and on three sides of it cliffs dived down to wherethe sea licked greedy lips in the shadows. You can publish your book online for free in a few minutes. "Ivan is an incredibly strong fellow," remarked the general, "but he has the misfortune to be deaf and dumb. Great story! Then,wet with sweat and aching with tiredness, he crouched behindthe stump of a lightning-charred tree. Ten minutes of determined effort brought another sound tohis earsthe most welcome he had ever heardthe mutteringand growling of the sea breaking on a rocky shore. Think and Grow Rich PDF Download [January 2022], Fortnite APK Download for Android (January 2023), Clash of Clans APK Download for Android (January 2023), Minecraft APK Download For Android (January 2023). "I wish to go today," said Rainsford. Doubtless that is why I enjoy the problems of thechase.\" \"No doubt, General Zaroff.\" \"So,\" continued the general, \"I asked myself why the hunt nolonger fascinated me. It was in Africa that the Cape buffalo hit me and laid me up for six months. When I shot some of his prize turkeys with it, he did not punish me; he complimented me on my marksmanship. Rainsford had dug himself in in France when a second'sdelay meant death. Great sport, hunting.\" \"The best sport in the world,\" agreed Rainsford. He was finding the general a most thoughtful and affable host, a true cosmopolite. There was no sound in the night as Rainsford sat there but the muffled throb of the engine that drove the yacht swiftly through the darkness, and the swish and ripple of the wash of the propeller. Sailors have a curious dread of the place. These stakes heplanted in the bottom of the pit with the points sticking up.With flying fingers he wove a rough carpet of weeds andbranches and with it he covered the mouth of the pit. Aurevoir, Mr. Rainsford, au revoir.\" General Zaroff, with a deep,courtly bow, strolled from the room. 0000000797 00000 n There, weaving in and out in the pattern of shadow, were black, noiseless forms; the hounds heard him at the window and looked up, expectantly, with their green eyes. ", "General," said Rainsford firmly, "I wish to leave this island at once. Rainsford creates a complex forest track during his head start before ascending a tree. \"Is there big game on thisisland?\" The general nodded. They've no understanding.\" \"Even so, I rather think they understand one thingfear. The description emphasizes the grave danger in which Rainsford finds himself. When he opened his eyes he knew from the position of the sun that it was late in the afternoon. They can crush a ship as eas-ily as I crush this nut.\" He dropped a walnut on the hardwoodfloor and brought his heel grinding down on it. I sug-gest, too, that you avoid the big swamp in the southeast cornerof the island. My hand was made for the trigger, my father said. "Ivan," he said to Rainsford, "will supply you with hunting clothes, food, a knife. Rainsford went back to the bed and lay down. It was the baying of a pack of hounds. But the hope that was in Rainsford's brain whenhe climbed died, for he saw in the shallow valley that GeneralZaroff was still on his feet. As soon as I recovered I started for the Amazon to hunt jaguars, for I had heard they were unusually cunning. The lights fromthe windows sent a flickering illumination that made grotesque 14 I'll show you.\" The general steered Rainsford to a window. An evil place can, so to speak, broadcast vibrations ofevil. \"Pistol shot,\" muttered Rainsford, swimming on. But I think I can show you that your scruples are quite ill founded. The baying of the hounds drew nearer, then still nearer, nearer, ever nearer. 11 Now he had got a grip on himself, had stopped, and was taking stock of himself and the situation. Whitney goes to bed after talking about how they are the hunters rather than the hunted, and Rainsford hears gunshots. He sought to throw open the door; it would not open. Throughout " The Most Dangerous Game ," readers are made familiar with the idea of being the hunter or being the hunted. Hp>T#Q + %% \"You've good eyes,\" said Whitney, with a laugh,\" and I'veseen you pick off a moose moving in the brown fall bush at fourhundred yards, but even you can't see four miles or so througha moonless Caribbean night.\" \"Nor four yards,\" admitted Rainsford. So many Americans appear to have had. He shrugged his shoulders. He went to the window and looked out. It was a distant sound, faint and wavering,but he knew it. Many nobleRussians lost everything. In his hand the man held a long-barreled revolver, and he was pointing it straight at Rainsford's heart. I hunt the scum of the earth: sailors from tramp shipslassars, blacks, Chinese, whites, mongrelsa thoroughbred horse or hound is worth more than a score of them.". . They can reason, after a fashion. Two slight annoyances kept him from perfect enjoyment. Anyone held captive who manages to evade General Zaroff, Ivan, and a pack of hunting dogs for three days is released. The oldest gargoyle is 13,000 years old. Caribbean refers to a tropical region that consists of the Caribbean Sea, its islands, and the surrounding coasts. The term "civilized" usually refers to highly-developed culture and . Doubtless that is why I enjoy the problems of the chase. Two slight annoyanceskept him from perfect enjoyment. Naturally, I continued to huntgrizzliest in your Rockies, crocodiles in the Ganges, rhinoceroses in East Africa. Time passes slowly, crawling by like a wounded snake, and sleep is personified as a visitor who does not come to see him. The quicksand that Rainsford steps into is described here with a simile, comparing it to a giant leech, a bloodsucking parasite. HTMo1T-E9HJUj)(P"-[Erx> `2,n!XH[cma| s-MV@x.qP!LgQ:E)`ERYy%>M9TRkdK#u:#D yPtLI'Qb8SuY=_+Xqbc. UNrhRfBQedb,kdeff6d/6g8I Rainsford had hardly tumbled to the ground when the packtook up the cry again. The passage is an allusion to Aesops fable The Fox and the Cat, a tale in which a fox and a cat try to elude hunters who are pursuing them. Naturally, I continued to hunt--grizzliest in your Rockies, crocodiles in the Ganges, rhinoceroses in East Africa. ", The general sucked in his breath and smiled. Zaroffs strange statement foreshadows how the plot develops. These stakes he planted in the bottom of the pit with the points sticking up. It is ironic that Zaroff would read the works of Marcus Aurelius, since Zaroffs philosophy of life is brutal and animalistic. Poorspecimens and more accustomed to the deck than to thejungle.\" He raised his hand, and Ivan, who served as waiter,brought thick Turkish coffee. He leaped upon the rail and balanced himself there, to get greater elevation; his pipe, striking a rope, was knocked from his mouth. For a seem-ingly endless time he fought the sea. The allusion suggests that Zaroffs chateau is opulent and richly appointed. The description of the sea licking its greedy lips suggests that the sea feels malice and that is eager to claim human lives, including Rainsfords. My whole life has been one prolonged hunt. If I wish to hunt, why should I not? Now he had got a grip on himself,had stopped, and was taking stock of himself and the situation.He saw that straight flight was futile; inevitably it would bringhim face to face with the sea. "Not in the least," declared Rainsford. His whole idea at first was toput distance between himself and General Zaroff; and, to this 17 Rainsford had fought his way through the bush for twohours. "This hot weather is making you soft, Whitney. ", "I'm not sleepy," said Rainsford. The description stresses again the size and grandeur of Zaroffs chateau, suggesting that he is a man of enormous wealth. General Zaroff's facesuddenly brightened. Employing a metaphor, Zaroff calls his hunting Rainsford and Rainsfords trying to elude him outdoor chess. Discounting the deadly nature of Zaroffs game, it is similar to chess in that a player must think carefully, plan a strategy, and anticipate an opponents moves in order to counter them. Rainsford.". Occasionally I strike a tartar.One almost did win. ", Rainsford did not smile. Rainsford had fought his way through the bush for two hours. Rainsford remembered the shots. This is agrisly joke.\" \"Why should I not be serious? A big-game hunter from New York is shipwrecked on an isolated island in the Caribbean, and is hunted by a Russian aristocrat.The story is an inversion of the big-game . But Ivan was not. My whole life has been one prolonged hunt. Gold is associated with the color yellow, but it also has connotations of great wealth, suggesting that the interior of the chateau is richly furnished. Ten minutes of determined effort brought another sound to his earsthe most welcome he had ever heardthe muttering and growling of the sea breaking on a rocky shore. "That Cape buffalo is the largest I ever saw. HT[o0~WX{=i HUI.RPEJF(UJ;.!]s304""so,? For some minutes he stood regarding the blue-green expanse of water. So intent was the Cossack on his stalking that he was upon the thing Rainsford had made before he saw it. Under one arm he carriedkhaki hunting clothes, a haversack of food, a leather sheathcontaining a long-bladed hunting knife; his right hand restedon a cocked revolver thrust in the crimson sash about hiswaist. I like so many here read this in HS and have since read several stories and at least one book with the same plot. \"Follow Ivan, if you please, Mr. Rainsford,\" said the general.\"I was about to have my dinner when you came. "I congratulate you," he said. \"Sometimes an angrygod of the high seas sends them to me. And theanswer was, of course, `It must have courage, cunning, and,above all, it must be able to reason.\"' \"But no animal can reason,\" objected Rainsford. "I will not hunt. General Zaroff had an exceedingly good dinner in his greatpaneled dining hall that evening. But I shall be back. He leaped up from his place of concealment. What scientific prediction from old books would you like to see come true? I read it as a high schooler myself and remembered loving it. If I find him "the general smiled" he loses. Then, as he stepped forward, his foot sank into the ooze. \"For the hunter,\" amended Whitney. I hope the jaguar guns have come from Purdey's. Au revoir, Mr. Rainsford, au revoir." I am to follow, armed only with a pistol of the smallestcaliber and range. Not far from where he landed, he stopped. See you at breakfast.". "I had to invent a new animal to hunt," he said. I think, Mr. Rainsford, Ill see what you can doagainst my whole pack. \"No, general,\" he said. This description of the moss suggests that something or someone has crashed through the trees and weeds, adding to the islands mystery. That had been a placid pastime compared 20 When I shot some of his prize tur-keys with it, he did not punish me; he complimented me on mymarksmanship. screamed the general. That which was approachingwas a man. Hunting was beginning to bore me! Even cannibals wouldn't live in such a God-forsakenplace. Do you think the champagne has suffered from its long ocean trip?". \"I will nothunt.\" The general shrugged his shoulders and delicately ate a hot-house grape. An unbroken front ofsnarled and ragged jungle fringed the shore. The story was amazing it had adventures. ", "Good night, then, Rainsford. \"My sloopwill place you on the mainland near a town.\" The general readwhat Rainsford was thinking. He stepped back from the quicksand a dozen feet or so and, like some huge prehistoric beaver, he began to dig. He ascends the rail of the yacht, lights up, and unintentionally jumps overboard. 0000001460 00000 n It's clear Collection 1whites, mongrelsa thoroughbred horse or hound is worthgeneral pressed a button, far out to sea Rainsford saw the flashHow does Zaroff find men to that Rainsford and Zaroff dis- more than a score of them." of lights. He knew it would be insane to blunder on through the dark, even if he had the strength. \ D"6 L *~Gp/H SOt sQK>4gQaN-_V/ ShC/. Ivan once had the honorof serving as official knouter to the Great White Czar, and hehas his own ideas of sport. Straining his eyes, he saw the lean figure of Gen-eral Zaroff; just ahead of him Rainsford made out another 21 One was the thought that it would be difficult to replace Ivan; the other was that his quarry had escaped him; of course, the American hadn't played the gameso thought the general as he tasted his after-dinner liqueur. Out of the snarl of beard two small eyes regarded Rainsford. Rainsford sprang up and moved quickly to the rail, mystified. That had been a placid pastime compared to his digging now. PDF WITH TEXT download. The Most Dangerous Game Performance Task Option #3: MAP of SHIP TRAP ISLAND You are a cartographer (map maker), and since the discovery of Ship Trap Island, National Geographic has Bleak darkness was blacking out the sea and jungle when Rainsford sighted the lights. The lights of the chateau were out now, and it was dark and silent; but there was a fragment of sallow moon, and by its wan light he could see, dimly, the courtyard. The hunter shook his head several times, as if he were puzzled. Of course you, in turn,must agree to say nothing of your visit here.\" \"I'll agree to nothing of the kind,\" said Rainsford. Some wounded thingby the evidence, a large animalhad thrashed about in the underbrush; the jungle weeds were crushed down and the moss was lacerated; one patch of weeds was stained crimson. I needed a new animal. That was postponing the inevitable. After he was overthrown in the Russian Revolution, a civil war erupted in Russia; those who supported Czar Nicholas and the Russian monarchy formed what was termed the White army and unsuccessfully fought the revolutionary Red army. You are proving interesting, Mr. Rainsford. A bluegap showed between the trees dead ahead. He could stay where he was and wait. His need forrest was imperative and he thought, \"I have played the fox,now I must play the cat of the fable.\" A big tree with a thicktrunk and outspread branches was near by, and, taking care toleave not the slightest mark, he climbed up into the crotch,and, stretching out on one of the broad limbs, after a fashion,rested. They pointed alongthe cliff in the direction he had been going. Zaroffs statement is full of malicious intent, which is a further indication of his evil nature. I assure you I do not do the thing you suggest. "A twenty-two," he remarked. The ground grewsofter under his moccasins; the vegetation grew ranker, dens-er; insects bit him savagely. What I felt wasaa mental chill; a sort of sudden dread.\" \"Pure imagination,\" said Rainsford. I shall be back.\" When the general, nursing his bruised shoulder, had gone,Rainsford took up his flight again. I suggest you wear moccasins; they leave a poorer trail. . Sailors have a curious dread of the place. One of us is to furnish a repast for the hounds. Once the hunting game begins between Zaroff and Rainsford, many instances of suspense drive the plot to its conclusion. ___ One of Zaroff's dogs falls into the pit and dies. The sea was as flat as a plate-glasswindow. he panted, as he dashed along. I assureyou I do not do the thing you suggest. All he knew was that he was safe from his enemy, thesea, and that utter weariness was on him. Ever nearer drew the hounds. Again he heard the sound, and again. ___ General Zaroff tells Rainsford that hunting has gotten boring. This description of Zaroff is eerie and creates an image of a devil. You'llwant to start, no doubt. His firstthought made him feel sick and numb. What books have stories within stories like The Princess Bride? There was a medieval magnificence about it;it suggested a baronial hall of feudal times with its oaken 8 "Rainsford!" Rainsford's first impression was that the man was singularly handsome; his second was that there was an original, almost bizarre quality about the general's face. It would be impossible for me to tell you how many animals I have killed. Laughter shook the general. He staggered, but he did not fall; nor did he drop his revolver. "Oh, yes," he said, casually, as if in answer to a question, "I have electricity. Hewas a very rich man with a quarter of a million acres in theCrimea, and he was an ardent sportsman. But I got the brute.\" \"I've always thought,\" said Rainsford, \"that the Cape buffalois the most dangerous of all big game.\" For a moment the general did not reply; he was smiling hiscurious red-lipped smile. Occasionally I strike a tartar. Rainsford. Rainsford jumps from a cliff into the water to get away from Zaroff and his hounds; Zaroff is dismayed by Rainsfords apparent suicide and goes home. The swish of the underbrush against his hunting boots grew fainter and fainter. He executed a series of intricate loops; he doubled on his trail again and again, recalling all the lore of the fox hunt, and all the dodges of the fox. The general steered Rainsford to a window. Rainsford calls the hunt barbaric, to which Zaroff responds that life is for the strong.. Always. The weak of the world were put hereto give the strong pleasure. ", "He is a Cossack," said the general, and his smile showed red lips and pointed teeth. "One does not expect nowadays to find a young man of the educated class, even in America, with such a naive, and, if I may say so, mid-Victorian point of view. "Nerve, nerve, nerve!" \"Not for the jaguar.\" \"Don't talk rot, Whitney,\" said Rainsford. A big tree with a thick trunk and outspread branches was near by, and, taking care to leave not the slightest mark, he climbed up into the crotch, and, stretching out on one of the broad limbs, after a fashion, rested. 0000000016 00000 n Rainsfords referring to the fable shows that he is employing every means to escape Zaroff. He thought he heard steps within; thedoor remained closed. In his hand the man held a long-barreled revolver,and he was pointing it straight at Rainsford's heart. It gives me pleasure. Most Dangerous Game - Full Text.pdf. He need not play that game if he doesn't wish to. He lived a year in a minute. Drawing the readers attention to the island several times at the beginning of the story suggests that the island itself plays an important role in the plot. Again Rainsford lifted the heavy knock-er, and let it fall. Not many men know how to make a Malay mancatcher. again. I was lying in my tent with a splitting headache onenight when a terrible thought pushed its way into my mind.Hunting was beginning to bore me! Zaroffs being a zealous hunter makes him an especially dangerous foe for Rainsford. iI H*3vKIE6_giuZ He executed a series of intricate loops;he doubled on his trail again and again, recalling all the lore ofthe fox hunt, and all the dodges of the fox. The hunter shook his head several times, as if he werepuzzled. He stood there, rubbing his injured shoulder, and Rainsford, with fear again gripping his heart, heard the general's mocking laugh ring through the jungle. Now you want clothes, food, rest. ", The general laughed with entire good nature. The lights of the chat-eau were out now, and it was dark and silent; but there was afragment of sallow moon, and by its wan light he could see,dimly, the courtyard. He had high cheekbones, a sharpcut nose, a spare, dark facethe face of a man used to giving orders, the face of an aristocrat. \" asked Rainsford. I have hunted every kind of game in every land. \"Hardly. Then he ran for his life. Grotesque means unnatural, strange, and distorted in some weird way. We were drawing near the island then. "Rainsford," called the general, "if you are within sound of my voice, as I suppose you are, let me congratulate you. \"That's odd. Rainsford went to the window and looked out toward the sea. %PDF-1.5 % He saw no sign of a trail through the closely knit web of weeds and trees; it was easier to go along the shore, and Rainsford floundered along by the water. His room was high up in one of the towers. \"The choicerests entirely with you. Ten minutes of determined effort brought another sound to his earsthe most welcome he had ever heardthe muttering and growling of the sea breaking on a rocky shore. The fellow lost his head. "Sorry you can't go with me tonight," called the general. The deplorable part of it was that Lazarus followed him. There was a chance thathis cries could be heard by someone aboard the yacht, but thatchance was slender and grew more slender as the yacht racedon. Somewhere, off in theblackness, someone had fired a gun three times. The image emphasizes the darkness of the night in contrast to the sudden glaring brightness of the gold light. "The choice rests entirely with you. All I could get out of him was`This place has an evil name among seafaring men, sir.' Rainsford hesitated. It's one of the classics in literature [with a small "l"]. My whole life has been one prolonged hunt. He caught hold of a springy young sapling and to it he fastened his hunting knife, with the blade pointing down the trail; with a bit of wild grapevine he tied back the sapling. 0000001955 00000 n ", "It will be light enough in Rio," promised Whitney. You'll find that my clothes will fit you, I think.\" It was to a huge, beam-ceilinged bedroom with a canopiedbed big enough for six men that Rainsford followed the silentgiant. Rainsford's eyes saw only blackness, and then, as thegeneral pressed a button, far out to sea Rainsford saw the flashof lights. Sailors have a curious dread of theplace. "Tonight," said the general, "we will huntyou and I. Theymust have reached the knife. You'll want to start, no doubt. You'll hardly have time for a nap, I fear. (eg. 0000000516 00000 n \"I wanted the ideal animal to hunt,\" explained the general.\"So I said, `What are the attributes of an ideal quarry?' He knew his pursuer was coming; he heard the paddingsound of feet on the soft earth, and the night breeze broughthim the perfume of the general's cigarette. I have heard that in America businessmen of-ten go to pieces when they give up the business that has beentheir life.\" \"Yes, that's so,\" said Rainsford. Bleak darkness was blacking out the sea and jungle when Rainsford sighted the lights. Why should I not usemy gift? I'llwager you'll forget your notions when you go hunting with me.You've a genuine new thrill in store for you, Mr. Rainsford.\" \"Thank you, I'm a hunter, not a murderer.\" \"Dear me,\" said the general, quite unruffled, \"again that un-pleasant word. At ten he went up to his bedroom. That's the trouble with these sailors; they have dull brains to begin with, and they do not know how to get about in the woods. ", "They were a bit strange, now you mention it. Not far from wherehe landed, he stopped. You see, I read all books on hunting pub-lished in English, French, and Russian. I have hunted every kind of gamein every land. \"Sorry you can't go with me tonight,\" called the general. ", "I hope," said Rainsford, "that you will excuse me tonight, General Zaroff. Nothing escaped those searching black eyes, no crushed blade of grass, no bent twig, no mark, no matter how faint, in the moss. He saw no sign of a trail through the closely knit web ofweeds and trees; it was easier to go along the shore, andRainsford floundered along by the water. Myname is Sanger Rainsford of New York City.\" The menacing look in the eyes did not change. Rainsfords strength and his ability to carry on after a near-death experience are character traits that are further revealed as the story continues. I was bitterly disappointed. Night found him leg-weary, with hands and face lashed by the branches, on a thickly wooded ridge. Among the many adaptations of the story are the 1932 RKO Pictures picture The Most Dangerous Game pdf with Joel McCrea, Leslie Banks, and Fay Wray and the 1943 episode of the CBS Radio drama Suspense with Orson Welles. Their knowledge and experiences as hunters make them equal adversaries. I'll wait foryou. \"Mirage,\" thought Rainsford. This is an allusion to the violent Russian Revolution of 1917 during which Czar Nicholas was overthrown, a counter revolution failed, Nicholas and his entire family were murdered, and Russian royalty fled the country. Three days hence we can discuss it over a bottle of VeuveCliquot, unless\" The general sipped his wine. "The old charts call it `Ship-Trap Island,"' Whitney replied." A suggestive name, isn't it? A tartar is a person from regions in Siberia and central Asia whose lineage included Mongols and Turks. ", "Maybe. A blue gap showed between the trees dead ahead. \"I congratulateyou,\" he said. Then a businesslike air animated him. ", For a moment the general did not reply; he was smiling his curious red-lipped smile. An adapted, clean version of The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell for use in classrooms. Very deliber-ately he blew a smoke ring into the air; then he turned his backon the tree and walked carelessly away, back along the trail hehad come. line; and his first thought was that be had come upon a village, for . The first thingRainsford's eyes discerned was the largest man Rainsford hadever seena gigantic creature, solidly made and black beardedto the waist. "Pistol shot," muttered Rainsford, swimming on. It was in Africa that the Cape buf-falo hit me and laid me up for six months. \"It came to me as an inspiration what I must do,\" the generalwent on. When the general and his pack reached the place by the sea, the Cossack stopped. He had to stop to get his breath. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. "So I said, `What are the attributes of an ideal quarry?' endstream endobj 828 0 obj <>stream \"Watch! on October 22, 2018. The pit grew deeper; when it was above hisshoulders, he climbed out and from some hard saplings cutstakes and sharpened them to a fine point. Rainsford, reclining in a steamer chair, indolently puffed onhis favorite brier. Rainsfords sleeping in Zaroffs bed shows that he had killed Zaroff and won Zaroffs deadly game. You shall see for yourself tomorrow.". Crpes Suzette is a dessert created in Paris in 1895 and first served to the Prince of Wales. "Did not make me condone cold-blooded murder," finished Rainsford stiffly. Then Rainsford saw the man's free hand go to his forehead in a military salute, and he saw him click his heels together and stand at attention. His hands were tight closed as if his nerve were something tangible that someone in the darkness was trying to tear from his grip. He was deliciously tired, he said to himself, as he locked himself in. Then it was that Rainsford knew the full meaning of terror. "You'll have a cocktail, Mr. Rainsford," he suggested. His eyes . He was dressed in uniforma black uniformtrimmed with gray astrakhan. Throwing off his sack of food, Rainsford took hisknife from its sheath and began to work with all his energy. Whenever he looked up from hisplate he found the general studying him, appraising himnarrowly. He went to the window and looked out. They weren't." It's like finding a snuffbox in a limousine. He came upon them as he turneda crook in the coast line; and his first thought was that be hadcome upon a village, for there were many lights. Ivans trouble being replaced and the question of whether Rainsford perished in his dive prevent Zaroff from finding peace of mind while he puffs on a pipe by his fireplace. 0000001921 00000 n very edge of the cliffs. %PDF-1.4 % That which was approaching was a man. An idea that held a wild chance came to him, and,tightening his belt, he headed away from the swamp. patterns on the courtyard below, and Rainsford could see mov-ing about there a dozen or so huge black shapes; as theyturned toward him, their eyes glittered greenly. With his remaining strength he dragged himself from the swirling waters. Sometimes I think evilis a tangible thingwith wave lengths, just as sound and lighthave. "Tigers? \"No animal had a chance with me any more. The stone steps werereal enough; the massive door with a leering gargoyle for aknocker was real enough; yet above it all hung an air ofunreality. I suppose the first three shots I heard was when the hunter flushed his quarry and wounded it. The world is made up of two classesthe hunters and the huntees. Chablis is a dry white wine made in eastern France. 7 Amenities refers to things that provide comfort, convenience, or pleasure. The afterdeck is the deck located at the stern, or rear, of a ship. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. In a cultivated voice marked by a slight accent that gave it added precision and deliberateness, he said, "It is a very great pleasure and honor to welcome Mr. Sanger Rainsford, the celebrated hunter, to my home.". I went into the armyit was expected of noblemen's sonsand for a time commanded a division of Cossack cavalry, but my real interest was always the hunt. I am going now to have my wound dressed; it'sonly a slight one. "But they are men," said Rainsford hotly. He knows what it is to be the predator,. All I could get out of him was 'This place has an evil name among seafaring men, sir.' Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site. elevation; his pipe, striking a rope, was knocked from hismouth. Heneed not play that game if he doesn't wish to. About the hall were mounted heads of many animalslions, tigers, elephants, moose, bears; larger or more perfect specimens Rainsford had never seen. Then he coweredback. A certain coolheadedness had come to him; it was not the first time he had been in a tight place. He gave nosign that he understood Rainsford's words, or that he had evenheard them. \"A rather good lot, I think,\" observed the general. \"This hot weather is makingyou soft, Whitney. A man, who had been hiding in the curtains of the bed, was standing there. He lay, eyes wide open. He was dressed faultlessly in the tweeds of a country squire. At breakfast, Zaroff makes the offer to take Rainsford along with him on his next trip since he is excited to be hunting with yet another accomplished hunter. Those fishy blue eyes held a look I never saw there before. He did not recognize the animal that made the sound; he did not try to; with fresh vitality he swam toward the sound. You can imagine my feelings, Mr.Rainsford. %!`]) L#26H9BTG./+s\W3_AMKapc[*Ah&;`qK\!t*,-lnb1O&1R%7 Even knowing what\'s coming, the story is creepy. Download The Most Dangerous Game PDF for free. The bed was good, and the pajamas of the softest silk, and he was tired in every fiber of his being, but nevertheless Rainsford could not quiet his brain with the opiate of sleep. \"Oh, you can trust me,\" said the Cossack. Readers must wait to find out if Zaroff sees Rainsford hiding in the tree. Another man was coming down the broad marble steps, an erect, slender man in evening clothes. If he does notwish to hunt, I turn him over to Ivan. I drink to a foeman worthy of my steelat last.\" The gen-eral raised his glass, but Rainsford sat staring at him. General Zaroff did not appear until luncheon. Rainsford did not want to believe what his reason told himwas true, but the truth was as evident as the sun that had bynow pushed through the morning mists. Three feet from the pit a man was standing, with an electric torch in his hand. The sea was as flat as a plate-glass window. We call it Death Swamp. ", Rainsford shook his head. \"As you wish, my friend,\" he said. With a violent effort, he tore his feet loose. A simple fel-low, but, I'm afraid, like all his race, a bit of a savage.\" \"Is he Russian?\" \"He is a Cossack,\" said the general, and his smile showed redlips and pointed teeth. The most popular short story ever written in English has been said about it. By manymethods he tried to put himself to sleep. Isuggest you wear moccasins; they leave a poorer trail. Ivan walks in with Rainsfords modest equipment for his time as prey as he exits the dining area. He lifted the knocker, and it creaked up stiffly, as if it hadnever before been used. Thecocktail was surpassingly good; and, Rainsford noted, the tableapointments were of the finestthe linen, the crystal, the sil-ver, the china. In a cultivated voice marked by a slight accent that gave itadded precision and deliberateness, he said, \"It is a very greatpleasure and honor to welcome Mr. Sanger Rainsford, the cel-ebrated hunter, to my home.\" Automatically Rainsford shook the man's hand. Ever nearer drewthe hounds. The island is perfect for my purposesthere are jungles with a maze of traits in them, hills, swamps", "Oh," said the general, "it supplies me with the most exciting hunting in the world. The word and its negative connotations contribute to the disturbing atmosphere of the scene between Zaroff and Rainsford. The general read what Rainsford was thinking. The seas literally being warm like blood indicates that the temperature of the water is not shocking to Rainsford when he goes overboard. Ivan laid out an evening suit, and Rainsford, as he put iton, noticed that it came from a London tailor who ordinarilycut and sewed for none below the rank of duke. n|PW@LXA2#cv7cT@pkRE7f%# r4gRUpjZXp:~k4 Great Guns, General Zaroff, what you speak of ismurder.\" The general laughed with entire good nature. \"I found it quicker than walkingthrough the jungle.\" The general sucked in his breath and smiled. No other hunting compares with it for an instant. He thought he heard steps within; the door remained closed. But there was one small trait of the general's that made Rainsford uncomfortable. His foot touched the protruding bough that was the trig-ger. It seemed toRainsford that the general was coming with unusual swiftness;he was not feeling his way along, foot by foot. \"There was no breeze. "I will give you my word as a gentleman and a sportsman. Now, you mustn'tlaugh when I tell you thisI did feel something like a suddenchill. Under one arm he carried khaki hunting clothes, a haversack of food, a leather sheath containing a long-bladed hunting knife; his right hand rested on a cocked revolver thrust in the crimson sash about his waist. When I thought of this it was a tragic moment for me, I can tell you.". 0 I exhausted their possibilities, yousee. \"How in God's name didyou get here?\" \"Swam,\" said Rainsford. Of course you, in turn, must agree to say nothing of your visit here.". He could flee. <]>> On the island, he discovers a grand chateau run by General Zaroff and his enormous deaf-mute servant, Ivan, who are both Cossacks. Another man was com-ing down the broad marble steps, an erect, slender man inevening clothes. . \"You have won the game.\" Rainsford did not smile. @$ ` K4 What perils that tangle of trees and un-derbrush might hold for him did not concern Rainsford justthen. If my quarry eludes me for three wholedays, he wins the game. Somewhere, off in the blackness, someone had fired a gun three times. If I wish to hunt, why should I not? the-most-dangerous-game-ragnar-benson Identifier-ark ark:/13960/t8xb13464 Ocr ABBYY FineReader 11.0 (Extended OCR) Ppi 600 Scanner Internet Archive HTML5 Uploader 1.6.4. . I didn't realize how old it is, but other than the Russian it doesn't make a difference. "Fractured my skull. The weak of the world were put here to give the strong pleasure. The cocktail was surpassingly good; and, Rainsford noted, the table appointments were of the finestthe linen, the crystal, the silver, the china. He was almost on the rocks before he saw them; on a night less calm he would have been shattered against them. Then we'll hunt, eh? "I'll cheerfully acknowledge myself defeat if I do not find you by midnight of the third day," said General Zaroff. \"I'll cheerfully acknowledge myself defeat if I do not find youby midnight of the third day,\" said General Zaroff. I'm going home for a rest now. They were eating borsch, the rich, red soup with whippedcream so dear to Russian palates. Why had he turned back? It had become too easy. They get plenty of good food and exercise. \"To date I have notlost,\" he said. Which classic books had predictions that came true? In explaining what prompted him to devise such an evil pursuit, Zaroff reveals the depth of his narcissism; he chooses to capture, imprison, and murder other humans so that he has something exciting to do. If any way it violates the law or has any issues, then kindly mail us at biggbuddy21@gmail.com to request the removal of the link. The fox uses several tricks to throw the hunters off his trail, while the cat hides in a tree. $#e[KnASX{}'x%Dt/"H ~`RAky9NbHfw%#J4gNOhEcH;AL\5Ot2ec^2x5 i?$gWNFQ4"_zQ|NW7%`:%%/CzO]o(D. Although the shortfin mako has only been blamed for eight Most Dangerous GameA short summary of this paper. When the general, nursing his bruised shoulder, had gone, Rainsford took up his flight again. The job was finished at last, and he threw himself down behind a fallen log a hundred feet away. "This island is called Ship Trap," he answered. Eagerly he hurriedalong, now slipping on a rotten log or a loose stone, but mak-ing headway; night was beginning to settle down on the island. Then he said to me, very gravely, 'Don't you feel anything? Rainsford,crouching there, could not see the general, nor could he seethe pit. Tomorrow you'll feel like a newman, I'll wager. As the story of an aristocrat who hunts the shipwrecked men that wash ashore on his private island, "The Most Dangerous Game" challenges the idea that highbrow pastimes and aristocratic society are synonymous with being civilized or moral. The figures of speech suggest that Rainsford is acutely aware of the great dangers he will face at dawn. Rainsford, reclining in a steamer chair, indolently puffed on his favorite brier. \"Hunting tigers ceased tointerest me some years ago. I exhausted their possibilities, you see. Needing a sailboat to reach the mainland stresses that Zaroffs island is isolated from society, making it possible for him to carry on his hunting game without interference. The most dangerous game is about a man who claims to hunt animals for fun becoming the hunted. Once again, the sea is personified. He started writing short stories after the war and eventually produced over 300. He sipped his wine. He was in a picture with a frame of water, and his operations, clearly, must take place within that frame. It's like moist black velvet. A suggestive name, isn't it? The last shot was when he trailed it here and finished it.". About the hall were mountedheads of many animalslions, tigers, elephants, moose, bears;larger or more perfect specimens Rainsford had never seen. But what kind of men, he wondered, in so forbidding a place? Yes, he was a monster.\" \"Did he charge you?\" \"Hurled me against a tree,\" said the general. The hounds raised their voices as they hit the fresh scent. \"Oh,\" said the general, \"in that caseBut why discuss thatnow? The night is described once again, this time with a simile that uses like in comparing the night to moist black velvet. The simile emphasizes the storys warm, humid tropical setting. Sometimes I think evil is a tangible thingwith wave lengths, just as sound and light have. Hepaused, almost beneath the tree, dropped to his knees andstudied the ground. He lived a year in a minute. And the stake is not without value, eh?". He examined the ground closely and found what he had hoped to findthe print of hunting boots. \"I'm no robber. The general smiled the quiet smile of one who has faced an obstacle and surmounted it with success. When Ithought of this it was a tragic moment for me, I can tell you.\" Rainsford leaned across the table, absorbed in what his hostwas saying. ", "Thank you, I'm a hunter, not a murderer. Be a realist. "As you wish, my friend," he said. Across a cove he couldsee the gloomy gray stone of the chateau. ", "One superstitious sailor can taint the whole ship's company with his fear. If anyone should try to get into my houseor out of itsomething extremely regrettable would occur to him." "They were no match at all for a hunter with his wits about him, and a high-powered rifle. Heleaped upon the rail and balanced himself there, to get greater 4 You can also read the full text online using our ereader. Then he cowered back. Doggedly means to do something with stubborn persistence and determination. He was a very rich man with a quarter of a million acres in the Crimea, and he was an ardent sportsman. A small, glittering object not far awaycaught Rainsford's eye and he picked it up. It was General Zaroff. Following the trail with the sureness of a bloodhound cameGeneral Zaroff. Your email address will not be published. . "I fell off a yacht. "Splendid! What perils that tangle of trees and underbrush might hold for him did not concern Rainsford just then. His pursuershad stopped. . \"The biggest.\" \"Really?\" \"Oh, it isn't here naturally, of course. Uploaded by By many methods he tried to put himself to sleep. "You'll find this game worth playing," the general said enthusiastically." The passage contributes to the forbidding atmosphere of the storys setting. Rainsford heard a sound. "Follow Ivan, if you please, Mr. Rainsford," said the general. startxref They weren't.\" The Cos-sack sighed. Rainsford's second thought was even more terrible. ", "Oh," said the general, "I give him his option, of course. Twenty feet belowhim the sea rumbled and hissed. and, if I may say so, mid-Victorian point of view. \"Rainsford,\" called the general, \"if you are within sound ofmy voice, as I suppose you are, let me congratulate you. He looked about him, almost cheerfully. I am speaking of hunting. I treat these visitors with every consideration. Eagerly he hurried along, now slipping on a rotten log or a loose stone, but making headway; night was beginning to settle down on the island. Bleak darkness was blacking out the sea and jungle whenRainsford sighted the lights. "But, my dear fellow," the general protested, "you've only just come. I am going now to have my wound dressed; it's only a slight one. I have to stock theisland.\" \"What have you imported, general?\" Rainsford asked.\"Tigers?\" The general smiled. His mind worked frantically. Cossacks were members of several ethnic groups in southern Russia and adjacent parts of Asia. He raised his hand, and Ivan, who served as waiter, brought thick Turkish coffee. "There was no breeze. Even so zealous a hunter as General Zaroff couldnot trace him there, he told himself; only the devil himselfcould follow that complicated trail through the jungle afterdark. "We will have some capital hunting, you and I," said the general. His need for rest was imperative and he thought, "I have played the fox, now I must play the cat of the fable." Vigor is defined as physical strength and energy. The other will sleep in this very excellent bed. Hecould see the great hounds, and he called, \"Better luck anothertime,\" to them. Rainsford forces himself to remain silent at this point and not argue further with Zaroff, perhaps because he had seen the glint of anger in Zaroffs eyes and knows that he is in the presence of a very dangerous man. It was in Africa that the Cape buffalo hit me and laid me up for six months. . The passage introduces the ideas of fear, pain, and death, adding to the storys dark, disturbing atmosphere. Sailors have a curious dread of the place. Some He makes kings, some beggars. It's like find-ing a snuffbox in a limousine. At daybreak Rainsford, lying near the swamp, was awakened by a sound that made him know that he had new things to learn about fear. He nodded toward the corner to where the giant stood, scowling, his thick arms crossed on his hogshead of chest. ", "So," continued the general, "I asked myself why the hunt no longer fascinated me. He had not been entirely clearheaded when the chateaugates snapped shut behind him. HWmo6n/HC4aXhB Rainsford knew he could do one of two things. I treat these visitors with every consideration. ", The general smiled. Find more similar flip PDFs like The Most Dangerous Game. I have heard that in America businessmen often go to pieces when they give up the business that has been their life. I live for danger, Mr. It's like moistblack velvet.\" \"It will be light enough in Rio,\" promised Whitney. Zaroffs being familiar with a song from the Folies Bergere adds to his characterization as a man who has traveled the world; his humming the song contrasts sharply with the horrendous activities he pursues. You need a good, restful night's sleep. Full Title: The Most Dangerous Game, or The Hounds of Zaroff Where Written: Westport, Connecticut When Published: 1924 Literary Period: Modernism Genre: Short story, adventure Setting: A remote island in the Caribbean Sea Climax: After eluding the murderous General Zaroff in the jungle, Sanger Rainsford kills the general in his mansion. You are much younger than I am, Mr. Rainsford, and have not hunted as much, but you perhaps can guess the answer.