The trouble with the Mississippi was that there was too much bad weather.  An irritable old alligator was stirring up the waters with a tail as long as a mountain is high.  It could whip up a mighty fierce storm.  Even the sturdiest pioneer hesitated to cross the river.  Families in covered wagons came to a halt on the east bank of the Mississippi and go no farther.  The settling of the West came to a standstill.  Things were in a fine mess-until Mike Fink took charge.

  Mike wasn't afraid of anything, not even that irritable alligator.  He jumped right into the stormy waters one day, tied up the alligator's tail with a heavy rope, and walked back to shore, dripping wet and boasting for all to hear.

   "I'm the snapping turtle of the Oh-hi-o.  My boat's the Lightfoot, and I can lick any man or any alligator  on any river any time!"

When you say irritable old alligator, make sure you make it sound like an irritable old alligator.

This is where the story is introduced.

When you say Mike Fink make sure you say it loud and exaggerate.  

Make a large motion down with your hand when you say anything.

When you tell the part when Mike speaks say it loud and manly.