us for generations by sending us to sleep at just the right time."
Amar had more to ask: "I know you live on dry land, but I also think
some of you live in the water. Can you tell me about them?"
The tortoise smiled: "You're right, Amar. There are tortoises, fresh
water turtles and sea turtles among us. I live on dry land, for example. I
prefer fields, soft soil and grapevines. Fresh water turtles, the kind you
keep in aquariums, like lakes and river banks. Sea turtles live in the warm
seas and come onto land to lay their eggs. Let me tell you something in-
teresting about the Caretta sea turtle:
Caretta carettas go to warm beaches to lay their eggs. Allah inspires
the young turtles that hatch from the eggs to head toward the light re-
flected off the sea, in other words, to go straight toward where they will
live. How do these baby turtles know that the sea is the best place for
them to live in? It must be because our Lord inspires that knowledge in
them."
Amar said: "You're right. Everyone with a mind to think with must
know that the world is full of Allah's wonders. We must always remem-
ber that you and I, all animals and trees and everything else are a sign
of Him. It was nice to talk to you. Thanks for telling me so much. Bye-
bye."
"Good-bye, you clever boy," said the tortoise.
10
