Petersburg High School - Missile Yearbook (Petersburg, VA)

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' The JVlissile “The chief loved his daughter and was proud of her, but now that he was getting old, he was worried because there was no son to succeed him. “One day he called his people together and said, ‘I have gravely considered the fact that I have no son to succeed me. Now, it is my desire, to select him that is fleetest of foot, quick- est of eye, keenest of mind, the noblest from among you, to be the husband of my daughter, and to be my successor.’ “Then he selected from their midst a tall, handsome youth who possessed those qualities which he most desired. Calling his daughter forth, he bade her make obeisance to her future husband. “But she, kneeling at his feet, said, ‘Oh, my father, that I cannot do. My heart is given to another. One evening, as I was strolling through the forests I met a handsome youth of another tribe, a Pamunkey. I have met him every evening since on yonder ledge. I am pledged to him.’ “The entire village was at once angry with the maiden who had dared be thus presumptuous, but her father, seemingly graver than before, quieted them. “ ‘My people,’ he spoke, ‘my daughter shall be treated fairly. This evening, our youth will meet in my daughter’s place the young Pamunkey warrior. He will explain everything, and then they will fight until death. My daughter will be the bride of him who conquers.’ “That afternoon when the youth went to the ledge the village gathered itself together to await the outcome of the com- bat. The chief’s daughter sat by her father’s side, erect, silent, betraying no emotion, but alert to be the first to catch the foot- fall of him who should come. “Soon after nightfall, the youth returned to the village, weary but victorious. A cheer went up from the people as he recounted his experience to them ; how he fought for two hours by the sun, and had finally succeeded in casting his opponent over the ledge. “The chief’s daughter still sat silent and erect, and still she betrayed no emotion. When the old chieftain at length turn- ed his attention to her, she said, ‘I would have you grant me one request. Allow me to go to the ledge tomorrow for one last farewell.’ “Her father, answering, said, ‘It is well,’ Page twenty -two

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P. H. S. The Legend Of Lover ' s Leap By Mary Lee Parham HE SMALL village of Afton is not famed, but it is a fa- vorite stop-over for tourists. It has but one inn for the accommodation of travelers. Tourists who visit there never leave without carrying with them a pleas- ant remembrance of simple hospitality, delicious old colonial-style meals, and the serene beauty that sur- rounds Afton. Often on clear summer evenings, the tourists gather on the front porch of the inn to take in the beauties of the valley. To the west are the verdant pasture lands undulating to the horizon. A short distance off, and scarcely audible, is a tiny stream, lazily winding its way in and among the foothills. Then, halfway sur- rounding Afton, on the east, looms a mountain, black at the base, but varying with the atmosphere near the top in shades of purple and blue. At the side of the mountain, half way up, a large and abrupt projection is perceivab le. At sunset the rays have a way of playing on this projection, causing it to reflect in moderated degrees its rosy shades. It is said that after a shower it stands out in all the beauteous colors of the rainbow. When the tourists have centered their attention on this ledge, the old proprietor takes great pride in telling the legend that is associated with it. “That projection,” he begins, “is known as ‘Lovers’ Leap.’ Several centuries ago, before the white people began to make settlement in the New World, this valley was the habitation of Indians. The tribe was extinct, save for the few that dwelled in this valley. It was a peaceful tribe and had but few relations with outsiders, allowing no inter-marriages. They built huts and lived in true Indian fashion. The braves hunted, fished, and enjoyed playing games that tested their strength and skill. “But, at last a time came that brought sorrow to their community. Their chief, loved and revered by all, had only one child, a daughter. She was quite beautiful, slender in figure, and graceful. Her black hair, plaited, hung down her back, and her black eyes, large and expressive, gave hint of a will power and a spirit that years of strictest discipline did not conquer. Page twenty-one

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P. H. S “The following evening she once again set out for her ac- customed place of meeting. The sun was shining brightly. Soon a setting sun tinted the sky and the ledge with its glorious hues. In turn, the moon and the stars one by one came out to lend their light beams to the darkened world. Still the young maiden did not return. “The moon crept higher in the sky, and the old chieftain awoke, startled from his afternoon nap, and inquired for his daughter. “‘Not here? Then ’tis true,’ he moaned. T had a dream. In my vision she jumped from the ledge into the arms of her young Pamunkey brave and he took her far, far away’.” When the legend was finished there was a momentary si- lence, a sigh, the shuffling of feet and changing of positions among the guests as they one by one came back to Afton from the region of the unreal. -o- By the Ocean By Margaret Watkins Like little boys in snowy caps Who laugh and run all day, The white caps toss their little heads, And beckon the sands to play. Like hoary-headed gentlemen Who bow their heads to pray, The bigger waves seem quite content To let the youngsters play. J Page twenty-three