TWO DIANAS IN SOMALILAND 97 
though, for she had drawn blank. It would be boring 
for any one to have to wade through stories of stalks 
that came to nothing. 
“ What’s hit is history, but what’s missed is 
mystery,” though, of course, each several excursion 
teemed with myriad interests for us on the spot. 
Sometimes I spoored for hours without getting a 
shot, involving a great knowledge of the habits of 
animals, keen eyes and judgment, all of which Clarence 
possessed in a high degree. Then his ability to speak 
English, even imperfectly, was such an advantage, and 
we beguiled many an hour in conversation. 
I wonder if we human beings will ever be able to 
hunt for its own sake, without the desire for its cruel 
consummation. Much though I love the old primitive 
instinct of pursuing, I am not able to forgo the shot, 
and particularly when I want a lovely pair of horns. 
I suppose we keep the balance, and if we did not kill 
the lions and leopards would get the upper hand. But 
often I wished when I was flushed with success, and I 
saw my beast lying dead, that I had not done it. It 
seemed so cruel, and all antelope are so very beautiful. 
Of course, we had to kill for food as well as sport, 
and I think we spared generously on the whole, for 
we could have trebled the bag. 
I began to feel tired of the actual killing as soon 
as I had perfect specimens of each sort, and always 
preferred the nobler sport of more dangerous game. I 
think if I went again I could in most instances deny 
myself the shot, and content myself with watching and 
photographing. As it was, I often lay for an hour and 
G 
