TWO DIANAS IN SOMALILAND 39 



drinking water for our personal use. The Somalis 

 seem to thrive on the filthiest liquid. 



The cook got a leech of the most tenacious principles 

 on to his wrist, and made the most consummate fuss. 

 A bite from a venomous snake could hardly have 

 occasioned more commotion. I can't imagine what 

 the condition of the man would have been had the 

 leech stayed as long as it intended. I put a little salt 

 on its tail, and settled the matter. By the end of the 

 next short trek we reached the Golis Range, taking 

 them at their narrowest part. The whole place had 

 changed for the better. Clear pools of water glistened 

 bright among a riot of aloes and thorns, and there was 

 also a very feathery looking plant, of which I do not 

 know the name. 



For the first time we said to each other, " Let us go 

 out and kill something, or try to." There was always 

 the dread of returning to camp unblooded, so to speak, 

 when Clarence might, or would, or should, or could 

 regard us as two amiable lunatics not fit to be trusted 

 with firearms. This is a woman all over. Try as she 

 will she cannot rise superior to Public Opinion — even 

 the opinion of a crowd of ignorant Somalis ! After all, 

 what is it? "The views of the incapable Many as 

 opposed to the discerning Few." 



We agreed to separate, tossing up for the privilege 

 of taking Clarence. To my infinite regret I drew him. 

 As a rule when we tossed up we did it again and again 

 until the one who had a preference got what she 

 wanted. Women always toss up like that. Why 

 bother to toss at all ? Ah, now you've asked a poser. 



