In "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell, what is ironic about Zaroff's statement, "Oh, you can trust me... I will give you my word as a...

It is ironic that Zaroff wants Rainsford to trust him because he has already tricked him.

Zaroff has proven himself to be of a low moral character several times by the time he asks Rainsford to trust him.  After all, he tricked Rainsford into playing the game. He also showed him how he trapped ships for prey.

When Rainsford sits down to dinner with Zaroff, the general treats him like a guest and not at all like a prisoner. They discuss Zaroff’s past, and Zaroff tells Rainsford he knows who he is because he has read his books on hunting. By all accounts, he seems to be treating Rainsford as an equal and showing him great respect.

Even when Rainsford and Zaroff discuss the concept of murder, Rainsford has no idea that he is going to be participating in Zaroff’s game as prey. He assumes that Zaroff is offering to let him hunt with him.

"Why should I not be serious? I am speaking of hunting."

"Hunting? Great Guns, General Zaroff, what you speak of is murder."

The general laughed with entire good nature. He regarded Rainsford quizzically. "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.”

This conversation seems to be further proof that Zaroff is tricking Rainsford. He seems good-natured and at ease. He debates philosophy and morality with Rainsford. There is no hint at all that he is going to force Rainsford to let him hunt him.

By the time Rainsford finds out what is really happening, he is shocked.

"And if I win—" began Rainsford huskily.

"I'll cheerfully acknowledge myself defeat if I do not find you by midnight of the third day," said General Zaroff. "My sloop will place you on the mainland near a town." The general read what Rainsford was thinking.

The general seems to be indicating that Rainsford should just take him at his word and trust him. This is ironic because nothing General Zaroff has done at this point has been honest. He has been sneaky and dishonest from the beginning, luring Rainsford in to make him let his guard down before springing the surprise on him, which is his role in the game. That does not inspire confidence that he will let Rainsford live if he wins.