TWO DIANAS IN SOMALILAND 303 



Now, "What, indeed!" can cover a multitude of 

 things if said just as it should be. Put the accent on 

 both words, and try it next time you are cornered. 



I know Madam regarded us four as a ribald crew, 

 and kept her fickle smiles only for " the Leader," 

 whom she desired to propitiate because his place at 

 home adjoined hers, and as the old shikari meant to 

 put up for Parliament at the next election, Madam saw a 

 faint chance of securing a vote. We got a great deal of 

 amusement out of her wiles and blandishments. One 

 day in between the camel-selling and general disband- 

 ment we had much difficulty to repress our mirth, as 

 we heard the warrior being tackled something like 

 this. 



" Of course, Major," very suavely, " I can count on 

 your vote ? " 



" I ought to say ' Of course ' too. But what 

 precisely are your husband's political views ? " 



" Oh, he hasn't any. Except on big game shooting." 



" Well, that simplifies matters, anyhow," said the 

 officer, musingly. " Could you tell me if he holds 

 with an eight hours' day ? " 



" I expect so." Then added, as an afterthought, 

 " What — er — what kind of a day is it ? " 



" Oh," answered the no-wiser warrior, " an eight 

 hours' days is — er — an eight hours' day." 

 i " To be sure," in a tone of great relief. " How 

 silly of me ! I should persuade my husband to have 

 any kind of day his constituents most preferred." 



"But imagine," put in Cecily, "if they all wanted 

 different ! " 



