IN THE ABYSSINIAN ZAREBA 
147 
the tips. The little jackal sat^ about 300 yards off us, bolt 
upright upon its haunches, intently watching us skinning 
our prize, which had been so nearly his. When we had 
taken the skin, head, and as much of the meat as we could 
carry, we went off, when, on turning round, I could see the 
little beast crawling through the grass towards the carcase, 
evidently smacking his lips. 
I now wended my way homewards, when, on ascending 
a small rise, covered with loose stones and thin thorn-bushes, 
I came upon three Somali plateau gazelle [Gazella spekei), 
sometimes known as Gazella ncusv^ from the extraordinary 
flaps of skill which rise up from the front of the face above 
the nose in a double or treble fold. This animal must not 
be confused with Pelzeln’s gazelle, which inhabits the 
maritime plain near Berbera, and which is a totally different 
animal altogether. 
I made a lucky shot at the best male, but the ‘450 bullet 
made sad havoc of the skin ; however, as we had now 
plenty of meat, and I only wished to possess a head trophy, 
I was satisfied. These pretty little gazelle run along 
wagging their short tails, and are constantly on the move. 
When they do stand, which is but seldom, they always 
appear to face one, so that at over 100 yards their tiny 
chests offer but a small mark. 
Nearing home I saw a number of large bustard, an oryx, 
and several herds of hartebeest, all of which game proved 
too wild for a shot. Passing close by the Abyssinians’ 
zareba, I thought I would go in and say good-bye to them. 
Accordingly, my shikari and I passed through the gateway 
of the stockade, over which flew three triangular flags, two 
white ones with a red one in between them. We found 
ourselves in a large enclosure. Passing several small huts, 
we reached that of the headman. It was made of mud, and 
thatched by Somalis. We were ushered through a hole in 
the mud, and found ourselves in utter darkness. My shikari 
then said, ^ Gif him hand,' but, upon my soul, I couldn't see 
anyone to shake hands with. However, on pushing back 
10—2 
