Read the excerpt from "the most dangerous game,” by richard connell. "so," continued the general, "i asked myself why the hunt no longer fascinated me. you are much younger than i am, mr. rainsford, and have not hunted as much, but you perhaps can guess the answer." "what was it? " "simply this: hunting had ceased to be what you call 'a sporting proposition.' it had become too easy. i always got my quarry. always. there is no greater bore than perfection." the general lit a fresh cigarette. "no animal had a chance with me any more. that is no boast; it is a mathematical certainty. the animal had nothing but his legs and his instinct. instinct is no match for reason. when i thought of this it was a tragic moment for me, i can tell you." which line of text from the excerpt supports the claim that the general is proud or conceited