Richard Connell Quotes

“It must have courage, cunning, and, above all, it must be able to reason.”

“My whole life has been one prolonged hunt.”

“I refuse to believe that so modern and civilized a young man as you seem to be harbors romantic ideas about the value of human life. Surely your experiences in the war.”

“The best sport in the world.”

“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.”

“Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes--the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters.”

“Even so, I rather think they understand one thing—fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death.”

“I must do something. Now, mine is an analytical mind, Mr. Rainsford. Doubtless that is why I enjoy the problems of the chase.

“Your brain against mine. Your woodcraft against mine. Your strength and stamina against mine. Outdoor chess!”

“It was flight now, a desperate, hopeless flight, that carried him on for some hours.”

“And hunting, remember, had been my life. I have heard that in America businessmen often go to pieces when they give up the business that has been their life.”

“Even as he touched it, the general sensed his danger and leaped back with the agility of an ape.”

“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.”

“But sometimes I think sailors have an extra sense that tells them when they are in danger. Sometimes I think evil is a tangible thing--with wave lengths, just as sound and light have.”

“I congratulate you . . . You have won the game.”

“One superstitious sailor can taint the whole ship’s company with his fear.

“Instinct is no match for reason.”

“You see, I read all books on hunting published in English, French, and Russian. I have but one passion in my life, Mr. Rainsford, and it is the hunt.”

“I have played the fox, now I must play the cat of the fable.”

“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.”