Petersburg High School - Missile Yearbook (Petersburg, VA)

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The Missile 17 back, and he came to the bank of the pool. “Do not go away, fair princess, I mean you no harm. But first I must tell you that you have saved my life, and now I mean to to take you from the dreadful clutches of this wickedogre.” “Well, hurry then and tell me how I shall have my freedom,” said the excited captive. “Come to that rock, yonder, and I will tell you all,” re- plied the prince. After they were seated, he began: “When your father discovered that you were not to be found about the palace, and when it was reported that you had been stolen by the ogre, he sent out word that the man who brought back his daughter would be given the princess for his wife and also half of the king’s king- dom. Now, when I heard this, I hurried as fast as my brave steed could carry me to your father’s court. There I was given full directions by your father, and that night I started out upon the dangerous journey. Early the next morning I arrived in the forest at the rear of this garden. After I had climbed the wall by the aid of a near-by tree and had started toward the tower, I heard a fierce grumbling like that of thunder and turned about to see the ogre rushing toward me. I looked about for some means of escape, but none could be found. All I could see was the pool, into which I hurled myself just missing a mighty blow from the strong arm of the ill- looking creature. “He came near the pool and stood with his arms stretch- ed out over the water, and called the witch, who came quickly. “I could not hear what the ogre said, but the old woman disappeared and returned with a huge black caldron. She

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16 The Missile and she said she would allow the princess to walk in the garden every day if she would do without her morning meal. For this unexpected pleasure the princess thanked her, and after taking the scant amount of food which she had brought the prisoner, the witch led the way down a differ- ent flight of stairs from those they had ascended. This stairway opened into a large kitchen and in this room was a door which opened upon a large porch. There were no lurnishings on it, and the yard — how different it was from the one about the palace! There were no flowers, no pretty trees, nothing but grass and weeds. But even this was better than that dreadful room up at the top of the tower. Morning after morning the princess strolled through the garden, which was enclosed by a high stone wall. One morning she wandered further than usual, and she came to a large pool of water. The water was very deep, for although it was clear as crystal, yet one could not see to the bottom of it. As the princess glanced down into the water, she noticed how ugly her face had become. Where was that lovely smile ? Where were those laughing eyes? The princess immediately tried to replace the smile, but all in vain. After many attempts and remembering what the good fairy had told her, she smiled to think that it was possible that she would be set free and would be allowed to return to her father’s house. As the smile broke out all over her face, there was a rippling of the waters, and there in the midst of the pool stood a hand- some prince. Neoma turned to run away, but he called her to come

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18 The Missile lit a fire and filled the kettle with water from the pool. In this a spell was brewed. ‘I cannot put a spell on any prince forever, for if I did, my power would be broken; but under these conditions will I put the spell upon him.’ This,” explained the prince, “was that until you smile I should be held under this awful power, which was that I should remain at the bottom of the pool in the form of a frog. Of course, the witch never expected that the power would be broken so soon; for she could see nothing about you, that is, none of your surroundings, that would make you happy. “So you see how you have saved my life, and now I will take you back to your father, if you are willing.” The prince led her through a narrow gate at the rear of the garden which was hidden from view by a thick growth of shrubbery, and that evening they arrived at the palace. Great was the rejoicing, and the promises of king were fulfilled. They were married and now the name of Neoma truly fitted the rescued princess, for she was happier than anyone can imagine. Sadie R. Zimmerman , ' 19. Moralist: “Are you laying something away for a rainy day ?” Old Soak: “Not on your life ! I have all I can do these days to lay something aside for a dry day.”