Found Poetry - and Lost again - with Spikes

A man, who had been hiding in the curtains of the bed, was standing there.

"Rainsford!" screamed the general. "How in God's name did you get here?"

"Swam," said Rainsford. " I found it quicker then walking through the jungle."

The general sucked in his breath and smiled. "I congratulate  you," he said. "You have

won the game."

Rainsford did not smile. "I am still a beast at bay," he said, in a low hoarse voice.

"Get ready, General Zaroff."

The general made one of his deepest bows. "I see," he said. "Splendid! One of us is to furnish a repast for the hounds. The other will sleep n this very excellent bed. On guard, Rainsford." ...

He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided, just before he felt the spikes, in his back.