Originally by: John Mason

Turtle always abhorred the humans. They would fish on his part of the river, so he decided to wage war on humans. He got in his canoe in search of confederates. On shore there stood bear, the most powerful animal in the forest. Turtle told him that he was going to wage war on humans.

Bear said, "That's a nice idea. Can I join?" Turtle saw that bear's paw was twice the size of the canoe.

Turtle answered, "No. I'm afraid that you would be too slow when we attack. So he got back in his canoe and started off again.

Not too far down the river was wolf. Wolf asked, "Hey, Turtle! Can I join?" Turtle saw that wolf's mouth was twice the size of his head.

Turtle replied, "No. I'm afraid that if you run away I can't catch you."

So he went in search of animals his own size. He paddled quite awhile and found Snake, which was his own size.Turtle shouted, "Hey Turtle. would you like to join me to war with humans?"

Snake replied, "Sure. They were nearing the village when they met with an animal with a white stripe on his back.Turtle yelled, "Hello creature. What's your name?"

Skunk answered, "I'm skunk."

"Would you like to join us to wage war on humans?"

"Sure. Here's my weapon." Skunk turned around and raised his tail and his odor was released. Snake and Turtle were almost knocked off the canoe.

The three animals landed by the village and hid themselves and waited till it was morning. Snake found a pile of twigs and he made himself stiff as a stick, and Skunk hid himself behind the well. Turtle sneaked into the village and disguised himself was a earthen bowl.

Finally morning came. A woman went to gather firewood but her keen eyes saw the snake and she took rocks and pelted the snake with them. That is why snakes never slither in a straight line.

At noon another lady went to the well for water, Skunk was about to lift his tail but the lady was swift and found a stick and dropped it on him. That's why skunks never come out at day.

At night a man came out to get a bowl and grabbed Turtle and he bit him. The man smashed Turtle's shell and that's why turtles have cracked shells.