TWO DIANAS IN SOMALILAND 303 
Now, “ What, indeed ! ” can cover a multitude of 
things if said just as it should be. Put the accent on 
both words, and try it next time you are cornered. 
I know Madam regarded us four as a ribald crew, 
and kept her fickle smiles only for “ the Leader,” 
whom she desired to propitiate because his place at 
home adjoined hers, and as the old shikari meant to 
put up for Parliament at the next election, Madam saw 
a faint chance of securing a vote. We got a great deal 
of amusement out of her wiles and blandishments. 
One day in between the camel-selling and general 
disbandment, we had much difficulty to repress our 
mirth, as we heard the warrior being tackled something 
like this. 
“ Of course, Major,” very suavely, “ I can count on 
your vote ? ” 
“ I ought to say ‘ Of course ’ too. But what 
precisely are your husband’s political views ? ” 
“ Oh, he hasn’t any. Except on big game shooting.” 
“ Well, that simplifies matters, anyhow,” said the 
officer, musingly. “ Could you tell me if he holds 
with an eight hours’ day ? ” 
“ I expect so.” Then added, as an afterthought, 
“ What — er — what kind of a day is it ? ” 
“ Oh,” answered the no-wiser warrior, “ an eight 
hours’ day is — er — an eight hours’ day.” 
“ To be sure,” in a tone of great relief. “ How 
silly of me ! I should persuade my husband to have 
any kind of day his constituents most preferred.” 
“ But imagine,” put in Cecily, “ if they all wanted 
different ! ” 
