228 TWO DIANAS IN SOMALILAND 
some intensely knowing person could arrange this, 
the editor of the halfpenny patron of patriotism, for 
instance. He understands everything. The sug- 
gested lease system would add considerable zest to 
life in the ostrich world, as indeed it would in many 
others. Just before the lease fell in Madame Ostrich 
would assure her husband that the very last idea she 
had would be its renewal. For all masculinity wants 
is that, and that only, which is denied him. Mr. 
Ostrich would feel that the renewal of the lease was 
the be-all of everything, and the fattest slugs, the 
best bit of ground for finding tit-bits upon, and the 
least prickly walks in the jungle would all be offered 
as persuasive arguments. The general pleasantness 
would last them both for weeks. 
A hunter reported he had come on a maze of rhino 
tracks. Allowing for the usual exaggeration, we judged 
one rhinoceros might be get-at-able. On investigation, 
we found that one had passed through the thickish 
country, and that very recently. Joy ! — for Cecily ! 
Hastily we left our ponies in charge of the syces, 
detailed two other hunters to remain also, and with 
the remaining followers prepared to stalk. Often 
the spoor was lost for a hundred yards or so, but our 
very able shikaris never failed to pick it up again, 
and though the going was exceedingly heavy, we 
made fair progress. We saw numerous oryx and 
dibitag, one of the latter passing so near me that I 
exchanged glances with her at twenty-five yards. 
But, of course, “ the likes of them 55 were safe from 
us now. 
