Using the voice of one of the Spanish sailors trapped in Zaroff's cellar, write a message-in-a-bottle letter seeking help. Be sure to include the story of how the sailor ended up on the island, how he's been spending his days, his fears about the General's plans, and how he plans to escape.

Dear friend.

Imagine him receiving that message has been the only happiness in my life. I don't know you, nor do you know me, but if fate has allowed you to find my message, it's because you need to know about me and help, if not me, other victims like me.

I find myself trapped in the basement of the sadistic, mad, murderous General Zaroff. I arrived here after my ship wreck survived. I came in search of help, but I only received despair and panic. The general hunts me like an animal, plotting my death all the time. I can no longer sleep, and control my nerves, I live on the edge of insanity all the time and I believe that my days of life will be short if I remain here, or if I throw myself into the sea, trying in vain to escape my captivity.

I'm afraid of suffering at the hands of Zaroff, I'm afraid of a slow and painful death, but my biggest fear is that this rascal will get away with his actions.

Please take this letter to the authorities and help an unfortunate person like me.

Dear friend.

Life is not really a bed of roses. If anyone can see this letter or if you are able to lay your hands on this letter, I want to say that my survival depends on you and I will be very grateful if you can help me and every other person involved.

My story is that I find myself hauled into the basement of a very notorious, murderous and tyrannist General called Zaroff. I arrived here after my ship was wreck at sea. I was able to survive after the horrific experience. I came in search of help, but I did not known I was walking into a trap.

The general tried different ways to hurt me down. I escape a few times, only to be caught again and again and them flogged consistently. I am only holding on with the little strength that I have, I can give up yet. My family is hoping to see me back home.

I'm afraid that if this ill treatment continues, I may give up. I came up with this message-in-a-bottle letter.

Please take this letter to the authorities and ask for help fro me. I will be eternally grateful to you.

Thanks and God bless,

John Williams

Learn more about Letters from

link