The Beast of Turtle Lake

A legend tells of a place I know where people feared to tread. And if they did, they often disappeared and the Natives feared them dead. The Cree tell stories in whispered tones of a creature to forsake. A Beast that preys on human flesh and swims in Turtle Lake. I had heard about the legend and wondered if it's true? And drove up early on a Friday to see an Elder who I knew. He told me of a story when two men failed to take The advice to leave the creature be who swam in Turtle Lake. 'Dave Simmons was a Lawyer and his friend was Richard Flake. And fishing was their passion, spending every weekend at the lake. Their wives weren't very happy to hear their brand new goal. To try and catch the vile creature who ate most people whole.' The Elder said, 'They were quite concerned on the beast they hoped to meet. And who and what this creature was that they intend to greet? They were not sure but what they heard had made their spirits soar. If the truth be told... they had their hopes for a real Plesiosaur.' 'The weekend came as the men set out upon the open road. From Saskatoon, they soon arrived to where the water flowed. They would sleep the night, meet the sun and hope the weather breaks. For in the morning... they must be well prepared to enter Turtle Lake.' 'The time had come and the crows were there to gird their heads to wake. Their mission clear... to catch the beast who lived in Turtle Lake. Breakfast had with their stomachs full, they gazed beyond the shore. To catch a glimpse and hear the roar of that fearsome dinosaur.' 'They took a boat with leather seats, a truly cushy ride. I quietly stared and shook my head when they refused a guide. The men set out and thought a bit on the words that I had said. As it was early dawn... the Beast was out and needed to be fed.' 'They trolled the point at a snail's pace... they laid a chum of ham. This didn't work, so they made a change and tried a little lamb. The Lake suddenly rose and the boat was swamped, unsure what they had caught. But it was huge and thus much too big for all the net that they had bought.' 'Such a cost some men pay when their talents they exceed. To fake with pride and then succumb to a creature who must feed. But in the end... no man truly dies if he leaves a cautious tale. Because Life's a quest to find yourself and follow Ahab's whale.' 'That's all I know,' the Elder said, 'Of this sad affair. When two friends, Dave and Richard didn't have a prayer. But to this day some people say when on the lake at night. The Beast is seen swimming near the shore with two men hanging tight.' Tales are told of these men who tried to catch a dragon. Having failed... it certainly had the Locals tongues a waggin'. But be aware... to those who plan to make the same mistake. Don't try and catch the dreaded Beast who swims in Turtle Lake. The End *For those who might be interested. I will be posting my cartoon 'Bob's your Uncle' on my home[page. A new one will appear every second day.