Once upon Rock Pond, there lived Myrtle, the turtle, and Chuck, the duck. Differences abounded between these diverse two. Yet they had more in common than they knew. Rock Pond was famous for its legend. The first to sit upon the rock was privileged, though still one must beware. Special heed had to be given to Big Alice, the alligator, her son, Fred and Stella, the stealing starling. Myrtle and Chuck and others competed for the sanctuary of the rock daily. When one day Myrtle won the race to the rock, Chuck put all his effort into winning next day. He succeeded but he was so tired he flew right into the rock and collapsed upon it. While Stella, the stealing starling, tried to rob the unconscious Chuck's nest, Myrtle did her best to annoy Stella. Myrtle caused a commotion to save Chuck's eggs and to awaken Chuck. Once Chuck realized what was happening, he took to the air. He saw Myrtle defending Chuck's nest. This awakened Chuck. He took to the sky, was about to swoop down, when he saw little Fred, Big Alice the alligator's son, trying to take advantage of the situation by invading Myrtle's nest. Chuck dove down upon Fred and picked him up by the leg. He flew over Myrtle and Stella and dropped Fred right on Stella. Both went sprawling. Fred clamped onto Stella's tail, who tried escape, while big Alice gave chase. Myrtle and Chuck laughed together, as they looked more wisely into each other's eyes. Thanks and respect materialized. Just then, Chuck's and Myrtle's eggs happily hatch. Both pledge their undying friendship. Though very different, these two diverse friends gained livelong respect, appreciation and love for one another. In the final chapter we see that life goes on at Rock Pond as before. But occasionally an unusual sight can be seen. Out in the middle of the pond, ducklings and turtlettes play like sister and brother. And on the rock, basking in the sun, peacefully sit Myrtle and Chuck. THE BEGINNING