256 TWO DIANAS IN SOMALILAND 



the rain, and the sky grew clear and dotted with stars 

 innumerable. The next morning had to see the 

 camel-mats dried ere they could go on, and the sun 

 was fortunately like a furnace. 



In the evening we were able to trek some eight 

 miles, and formed zareba by starlight. To get the 

 fires lighted was a great difficulty, and the cook sent 

 many messages by the " boy," to encourage us in the 

 belief supper would be forthcoming if we had the 

 patience to wait long enough. 



pl Chatting over the meal we realised that the hour 

 had come when we might dawdle no longer. Time 

 and the season bade us make a decided effort to cross 

 the Haud again now that water was so plentiful. 

 We sent for Clarence and talked to him, deciding to 

 rise early on the morrow and get things into trim for 

 the great undertaking. 



