THEN the Great Spirit created the turtles he gave them a vast lake in and
about which they could reside, and where they would never be molested by
either animals or people. But the turtles were not satisfied with the
shape of the lake, and found fault with the hard, gravelly bottom and
clear water. So they set to work to bring all the mud they could find on
the plains surrounding it, and spread the loads of loose soil over the
bottom of the lake where they were accustomed to lie. So many of them
carried on the work that the lake was finally filled with the mud, and
became so shallow that during one particularly hot summer it was entirely
dry. Then the turtles held council and decided that the only way left
to them was to set out to find a place where there was good water. One,
a particularly wise and intelligent old fellow, urged his brethren to
decide first upon some fixed course to follow and then by all means to
remain together. Said he: "If we do this we will not only know exactly
where we are going, but we can help each other. There are a great many
of us, and if any foe attacks us we can together repel the attack, for
with our stone backs and sharp jaws we are well equipped for battle. Let
me tell you, my brothers, that the world is full of dangers, and unless
we are banded together and stand by each other, we will be scattered and
lose our standing as a nation."
To this wise counsel the turtles apparently agreed, but each one wanted
the honor of presenting the plan that was to be followed, and each also
wanted the distinction of being chosen to lead his fellows. The wise old
turtle made every effort at conciliation and proposed several plans, any
one of which if accepted would have made the turtles a great and powerful
nation, but they could come to no agreement. At last the commotion became
so great that the voice of the wise turtle was drowned in the clamor,
and he was powerless to counsel his fellows any further. Finally each
turtle started off by himself, bound to follow his own inclinations, as
the turtles have done ever since. At this foolish course the wise turtle
became very angry. "Fools!" he cried, "I am ashamed to be counted as one
of the turtle race, and although in memory of the forefathers whom I
honor, I will always bear on my breast the form of a turtle, henceforth I
will not be a turtle."
With a tremendous effort he threw the shell from his back and leaped
forth, a fully armed and painted warrior. The turtles were terribly
frightened and made off as fast as they could. From that day they have
been wanderers.
The wise turtle became the progenitor of the turtle clan. He taught his
children to deliberate carefully upon all matters of importance; to give
attention and careful consideration to the counsels of their elders; and
to work in unity in whatever they undertook.