Final Answer:
Rainsford's first attack on General Zaroff did not succeed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rainsford's initial attempt to counter General Zaroff involved setting a Malay mancatcher, a trap typically used for capturing large game, near the edge of a cliff. The plan was to injure or incapacitate Zaroff as he pursued Rainsford through the dense jungle. However, the trap failed to ensnare the seasoned hunter, and Zaroff adeptly avoided the danger. This unsuccessful attempt heightened the tension in the deadly game of cat and mouse between the two men.
It showcased Zaroff's cunning and ability to anticipate Rainsford's strategies, setting the stage for a more complex and intense confrontation. The failure of this initial attack served to underscore the formidable challenge Rainsford faced in outsmarting Zaroff, adding a layer of suspense to the unfolding narrative.
As the story progresses, Rainsford must adapt and employ more sophisticated tactics to survive the perilous hunt orchestrated by the enigmatic and relentless General Zaroff.