Reading Text The Crocodiles Of Sook River Long ago in Sabah, there were hundreds of crocodiles .

They lived along the Sook river .When they went to the river to collect water.The villagers protect themselves with bamboo poles. One day, an old woman was bathing in the river.She wore a hair clip know as hair clip known as a timbok.A hungry crocodile suddenly appears at the river. The crocodiles grabbed the old ladys leg and pulled her underwater. In seconds , it gobbled her up.

The crocodile had enjoyed a good meal. After that, he became sick. It is because the womens timbok was stuck in his throat. Now, the crocodile was the son of the chief of the crocodiles.The chief was worried. He sent a messenger. The messenger needs to find a woman .The womans name was Aru Taul because she could cure the sick. This crocodile had magical power. When he found Aru Taul , he changed his face to be a handsome man. The woman was shocked to see this creature with a human face. The Messager told her about the poor suffering sick crocodile. Aru Tauk finally agreed to try to cure the sick crocodile .With the condition, that she wouldnt be harmed. Then, she climbed onto the crocodile and covered her eyes. She was taken to the secret meeting place of the crocodiles. The chief said to her, if you can cure my son, I promise to give you anything you want.When Aru Taul saw the timbok in the crocodiles mouth, she knew what had happened. She told all the crocodiles to close their eyes and be still. Then, she put her hand into the sick crocodiles mouth and quickly pulled out the timbok. The crocodile immediately felt much well.Aru Taul said, I know that you ate

a woman, so my wish is that you never eat my people again.The chief of the crocodiles agreed to her wish. From that day on , the people were never afraid to go into the river. (Adapted from: Pocket Malaysian Legends Series The crocodiles of the Sook river.