TWO DIANAS IN SOMALILAND 281 



really, and Clarence dosed the Somali with it, and the 

 curative effect was at once apparent. 



Jackals were here very plentiful, too much so for 

 our peace and quiet. They came prowling round the 

 camp in ones and twos seeking for what they might 

 devour. I shot one at night on hearing a crunching 

 sound near by. I rushed out of the tent in terror lest 

 the half -dry rhino was furnishing a succulent meal. 

 We had no thorn zareba in these days, and the watch 

 must have belied his name. The stealthy prowler 

 passed behind our tent, and I got a clear shot between 

 his gleaming eyes. Far too near ! I blew the jackal's 

 head to smithereens, and damaged its beautiful coat 

 considerably also. The whole camp awakened then 

 and buzzed with excitement, until the men knew the 

 nature of the animal that had come in on us. When 

 it was discovered that the intruder was a mere jackal 

 matters quieted down considerably. It was no credit 

 to them that it wasn't a leopard. I lectured the 

 parody of a watch severely next day, and as we were 

 getting to an end of the trip our lightest words had 

 immediate effect. It was quite odd. 



The thickness of the aloe jungle here was immense, 

 and to penetrate it was impossible, though constantly 

 we longed to do so, as we heard mysterious rustles 

 n the density. 



Our mileage was next to nothing these days, and 

 our marches desperate slow. But a camel won't be 

 hurried. 



We had a day in the ravines, picking up the caravan 

 at a given place, taking Clarence and the second hunt 



