In disclosing very little about the game he hunts on the island, General Zaroff begins to give Rainsford a little background on Zaroff's lifestyle. Apparently, Zaroff comes from noble Russian stock and was a military officer for the Czar. Since the political climate changed in Russia, it was not appropriate for Zaroff to remain. Two details reveal where Zaroff's great wealth is still maintained.

First, readers are alerted that Zaroff comes from wealthy stock. In speaking of his own father Zaroff said this:

He was a very rich man with a quarter of a million acres in the Crimea.

Next, Zaroff admits that he found a profitable place to stash and grow his finances:

I, luckily, had invested heavily in American securities, so I shall never have to open a tearoom in Monte Carlo or drive a taxi in Paris.

Zaroff is likely living off the growth of his investments. Readers find his lifestyle to be quite abundant as he drinks fine wines, has very good fillet mignon, and has the finest clothes and home decor.