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 in this very excellent bed. On guard, Rainsford." . . .

He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided.

—"The Most Dangerous Game,"
Richard Connell

Which reason justifying Rainsford’s actions is best supported by Rainsford’s statement, "I am still a beast at bay?”

Zaroff needs to defend himself against Rainsford, who is one of his beasts.
General Zaroff has finally admitted defeat.
Rainsford won the game and was given the house as his prize.
Rainsford believes Zaroff will never stop hunting him.