TWO DIANAS IN SOMALILAND 95 



then, in spite of what some travellers say, the average 

 Somali rarely is. They are frightful " buck-sticks," 

 but I never saw any cowardice to disprove their boast- 

 ing stories. 



After leaving the ponies with two syces we went off 

 at right angles, and after a long and heavy walk I came 

 on a bunch of aoul, who winded me and darted away 

 like lightning. Their flight started a great prize, whom 

 I had not noticed before, so much the colour of the 

 reddish-brown earth was he. A dibatag buck. He fled 

 too a little way, but then halted, appearing to think the 

 sudden fright of the aoul unnecessary. I was crouch- 

 ing low behind a small bush, and took most careful 

 aim. Off went the long-necked creature again, its 

 quite lengthy tail held erect. He stood and faced me. 

 He apparently mistrusted the bush, but had some 

 weakness for the spot. It was a very long shot, but I 

 tried it. The bullet found a billet, for I heard it tell, 

 but the buck sprang feet into the air and was off in a 

 moment. I took to my heels and ran like mad. I don't 

 know how I ever imagined I was to overtake the ante- 

 lope. The Baron tore along behind me. I ran until I 

 was completely winded, but I could see a strong blood- 

 trail, so knew the antelope was hard hit. I ran on again, 

 and we were now in very boggy ground, or rather sur- 

 rounded by many oozy-looking water holes. It was a 

 very shaky shot I got in next time. The dibatag dashed 

 on for a few paces, and then took a crashing header 

 into — of course — the largest pool in the vicinity. The 

 Baron and I danced about on the edge in great vexa- 

 tion, but I did not mean to lose my splendid prize even 



