What technique does Rainsford use during the first night of the hunt? What does he do to
elude Zaroff?

his technique, "I'll give him a trail to follow," muttered Rainsford, and he struck off from the rude path he had been following into the trackless wilderness. He executed a series of intricate loops; he doubled on his trail again and again, recalling all the lore of the fox hunt, and all the dodges of the fox

Explanation:

The first night Rainsford basically climbs a big tree and rests.

Explanation:

"I'll give him a trail to follow," muttered Rainsford, and he struck off from the rude path he had been following into the trackless wilderness. He executed a series of intricate loops; he doubled on his trail again and again, recalling all the lore of the fox hunt, and all the dodges of the fox. Night found him leg-weary, with hands and face lashed by the branches, on a thickly wooded ridge. He knew it would be insane to blunder on through the dark, even if he had the strength. His need for rest was imperative and he thought"

a.) it provides a clue to solve the mystery.

- "despite the fact that portia lives in belmont and has many suitors, bassanio believes that he can win her heart. bassanio plans on overcoming his financial obstacles by borrowing money from antonio to travel to belmont. he then plans on marrying portia and becoming wealthy enough to pay off his debts."