The Wasp, 1913 · page 145 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 145: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page depicts a dramatic confrontation between military officers over a romantic rivalry. James Burnham has apparently kissed a lady of interest to Mr. Stanton, prompting a challenge to a duel. Captain Cross and Mr. Throgmorton are arranging the affair of honor. Burnham shrewdly defuses the immediate threat by proposing delay—suggesting Stanton needs rest and bathing before they're on "equal footing." This is a clever stalling tactic that appeals to practical fairness rather than passion. The satire likely mocks the absurdity of military honor codes and dueling culture, where gentlemen must fight over romantic interests regardless of logic. Burnham's reasonable proposal contrasts with the rigid formality the officers maintain, exposing how ridiculous the entire ritual appears when examined rationally. The delay request transforms a moment of heated honor into something almost comical—the suggestion that cleanliness and sleep matter more than principle.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ee 142 THE WASP a stick, and you must have his blood for it—or spill a little.of your own—for the honor of the regiment and of their majesties’ uniform.” “Nothing else to be done, I assure you,” said Captain Cross. “If you don’t fight Mr. Burnham, my boy, you must fight me for taking advantage of me when in my cups and drawing me into a purely private affair. I’m not this gentleman’s guardian. If he wants to kiss a lady in whom you are in- terested, that is his concern—and yours and the lady’s.” “Tf you are armed,” said Mr. Throgmorton, “the little affair might be settled here and now. But I see that you are not arnted. Very good! Some one will have to return to barracks for weapons and a lantern.” “One moment, gentlemen, if you please,” said James Burnham. “I have a suspicion that Mr. Stanton is not in such haste to deal with me, but that he is willing to wait a few hours. A bath and a few hours of sleep on his part would put us on a more equal footing. What say you? Cannot we Comichooks.com