Judge — December 19, 1914 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Did He Hold the Wire?" This page features a sketch by Carl von Duskirk depicting a woman on a telephone, accompanied by dialogue about a social engagement. The conversation reveals a domestic comedy: a man (apparently named Reggie) claims he's going to Philadelphia with someone named Muriel but is actually spending the evening with Muriel elsewhere. When confronted about telling his companion "Grace" of his plans, he admits to a deception—asking a friend to "hold the wire" (stay on the phone) while he fabricates his alibi. The humor targets early 20th-century courtship deceptions and the new technology of telephones enabling such schemes. It satirizes both male duplicity in romantic situations and the awkwardness created by this modern communication device, which makes lies harder to maintain convincingly.