Question

Which excerpt from "The Cask of Amontillado" presents the reader with the initial conflict of the story? "I have my doubts," I replied; "and I was silly enough to pay the full Amontillado price without consulting you in the matter. You were not to be found, and I was fearful of losing a bargain." The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge. He had a weak point --this Fortunato --although in other regards he was a man to be respected and even feared. He prided himself on his connoisseurship in wine. "The nitre!" I said; "see, it increases. It hangs like moss upon the vaults. We are below the river's bed. The drops of moisture trickle among the bones. Come, we will go back ere it is too late. Your cough --"

Answer 1

The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge.

Answer 2

He was so scared probably because he didn't trust them.