In a future where Earth has become a game preserve for wealthy extraterrestrial hunters, a young guide named Gilbert is tasked with leading a dissatisfied Sirian hunter, Mulveen, on a safari. Mulveen, jaded by his experiences, proposes a deadly game: he wants to hunt Gilbert for sport, offering him a substantial reward if he survives. Gilbert, motivated by the promise of wealth and a desire for a better life, reluctantly agrees to the challenge. As the hunt begins, Gilbert encounters Wenzi, a girl disguised as a boy among the beaters, who reveals her identity and her fear of Mulveen. She has come to warn Gilbert about the hunter's intentions. The two, along with Arnaud, a chief beater, form an alliance to escape Mulveen's deadly pursuit. They strategize to outsmart Mulveen, who is determined to claim his prey. The tension escalates as Gilbert finds himself weaponless after a confrontation, realizing that Mulveen has manipulated the situation to his advantage. Wenzi is captured, and Gilbert's anger fuels his determination to rescue her. He navigates the treacherous swamp, evading Mulveen's beaters while searching for Wenzi. In a climactic confrontation, Gilbert faces Mulveen, who has cornered him and Wenzi. A brutal struggle ensues, with Gilbert fighting not just for his life but for Wenzi's freedom and the dignity of Earthmen. Ultimately, Gilbert overcomes Mulveen, refusing to kill him but asserting his dominance and reclaiming his identity as an Earthman. The story concludes with Gilbert and Wenzi planning to escape to the islands, where they hope to find a new life and restore the heritage of Earthmen. The narrative explores themes of survival, identity, and the struggle against oppression, highlighting the resilience of humanity in a world where they have been reduced to mere game.
By Stephen Marlowe · First published 1965 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller