228 TWO DIANAS IN SOMALILAND 



some intensely knowing person could arrange this, 

 the editor of the halfpenny patron of patriotism, for 

 instance. He understands everything. The sug- 

 gested lease system would add considerable zest to 

 life in the ostrich world, as indeed it would in many 

 others. Just before the lease fell in Madame Ostrich 

 would assure her husband that the very last idea she 

 had would be its renewal. For all masculinity wants 

 is that, and that only, which is denied him. Mr. 

 Ostrich would feel that the renewal of the lease was 

 the be-all of everything, and the fattest slugs, the 

 best bit of ground for finding tit-bits upon, and the 

 least prickly walks in the jungle would all be offered 

 as persuasive arguments. The general pleasantness 

 would last them both for weeks. 



A hunter reported he had come on a maze of rhino 

 tracks. Allowing for the usual exaggeration, we judged 

 one rhinoceros might be get-at-able. On investigation, 

 we found that one had passed through the thickish 

 country, and that very recently. Joy ! — for Cecily ! 

 Hastily we left our ponies in charge of the syces, 

 detailed two other hunters to remain also, and with 

 the remaining followers prepared to stalk. Often 

 the spoor was lost for a hundred yards or so, but our 

 very able shikaris never failed to pick it up again, 

 and though the going was exceedingly heavy, we 

 made fair progress. We saw numerous oryx and 

 dibitag, one of the latter passing so near me that I 

 exchanged glances with her at twenty-five yards. 

 But, of course, " the likes of them " were safe from 

 us now. 



