TWO DIANAS IN SOMALILAND 281 
really, and Clarence dosed the Somali with it, and the 
curative effect was at once apparent. 
Jackals were here very plentiful, too much so for 
our peace and quiet. They came prowling round the 
camp in ones and twos seeking for what they might 
devour. I shot one at night on hearing a crunching 
sound near by. I rushed out of the tent in terror lest 
the half-dry rhino was furnishing a succulent meaL 
We had no thorn zareba in these days, and the watch 
must have belied his name. The stealthy prowler 
passed behind our tent, and I got a clear shot between 
his gleaming eyes. Far too near ! I blew the jackal’s 
head to smithereens, and damaged its beautiful coat 
considerably also. The whole camp awakened then 
and buzzed with excitement, until the men knew the 
nature of the animal that had come in on us. When 
it was discovered that the intruder was a mere jackal 
matters quieted down considerably. It was no credit 
to them that it wasn’t a leopard. I lectured the 
parody of a watch severely next day, and as we were 
getting to an end of the trip our lightest words had 
immediate effect. It was quite odd. 
The thickness of the aloe jungle here was immense, 
and to penetrate it was impossible, though constantly 
we longed to do so, as we heard mysterious rustles 
in the density. 
Our mileage was next to nothing these days, and 
our marches desperate slow. But a camel won’t be 
hurried. 
We had a day in the ravines, picking up the caravan 
at a given place, taking Clarence and the second hunter 
