TWO DIANAS IN SOMALILAND 39 
drinking water for our personal use. The Somalis 
seem to thrive on the filthiest liquid. 
The cook got a leech of the most tenacious principles 
on to his wrist, and made the most consummate fuss. 
A bite from a venomous snake could hardly have 
occasioned more commotion. I can’t imagine what 
the condition of the man would have been had the 
leech stayed as long as it intended. I put a little salt 
on its tail, and settled the matter. By the end of the 
next short trek we reached the Golis range, taking 
them at their narrowest part. The whole place had 
changed for the better. Clear pools of water glistened 
bright among a riot of aloes and thorns, and there was 
also a very feathery looking plant, of which I do not 
know the name. 
For the first time we said to each other, “ Let us go 
out and kill something, or try to.” There was always 
the dread of returning to camp unblooded, so to speak, 
when Clarence might, or would, or should, or could 
regard us as two amiable lunatics not fit to be trusted 
with firearms. This is a woman all over. Try as she 
will she cannot rise superior to Public Opinion — even 
the opinion of a crowd of ignorant Somalis ! After all, 
what is it ? “ The views of the incapable Many as 
opposed to the discerning Few.” 
We agreed to separate, tossing up for the privilege 
of taking Clarence. To my infinite regret I drew him. 
As a rule when we tossed up we did it again and again 
until the one who had a preference got what she 
wanted. Women always toss up like that. Why 
bother to toss at all ? Ah, now you’ve asked a poser. 
