TWO DIANAS IN SOMALILAND 97 



though, for she had drawn blank. It would be boring 

 for any one to have to wade through stories of stalks 

 that came to nothing. 



" What's hit is history, but what's missed is mystery," 

 though, of course, each several excursion teemed with 

 myriad interests for us on the spot. 



Sometimes I spoored for hours without getting a 

 shot, involving a great knowledge of the habits of 

 animals, keen eyes and judgment, all of which Clarence 

 possessed in a high degree. Then his ability to speak 

 English, even imperfectly, was such an advantage, and 

 we beguiled many an hour in conversation. 



I wonder if we human beings will ever be able to 

 hunt for its own sake, without the desire for its cruel 

 consummation. Much though I love the old primitive 

 instinct of pursuing, I am not able to forgo the shot, 

 and particularly when I want a lovely pair of horns. 

 I suppose we keep the balance, and if we did not kill 

 the lions and leopards would get the upper hand. But 

 often I wished when I was flushed with success, and I 

 saw my beast lying dead, that I had not done it. It 

 seemed so cruel, and all antelope are so very beautiful. 

 Of course, we had to kill for food as well as sport, and 

 I think we spared generously on the whole, for we 

 could have trebled the bag. 



I began to feel tired of the actual killing as soon 

 as I had perfect specimens of each sort, and always 

 preferred the nobler sport of more dangerous game. I 

 think if I went again I could in most instances deny 

 myself the shot, and content myself with watching and 

 photographing. As it was, I often lay for an hour and 



G 



