The Wasp, 1913 · page 146 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 146: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page depicts a duel arrangement between gentlemen, likely from a serialized story in *The Wasp*. The text shows Burnham (apparently an excellent marksman) graciously choosing swords as weapons for a challenge against Stanton, rather than pistols where Burnham would have a decisive advantage. The satire appears to target the absurdity of honor-bound dueling culture among the upper classes. Burnham's choice of swords—deliberately handicapping his superior marksmanship to create a "fair" contest—is presented as noble ("very handsome"), yet the entire premise is ridiculous: grown men arranging dawn combat over what remains unclear. Stanton's silent dread at facing bloodshed, despite his swordsmanship, underscores the era's contradictions: gentlemen valorized martial prowess while often fearing actual violence. The page mocks both the performative chivalry and the hollow masculinity underlying such conflicts.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 143 arrange for a meeting at dawn, on the sands at the cold spring? There is a secluded spot, with foot- ing as level as a floor. As to weapons—but who is the challenger?” “This is very handsome of you, sir,” said Captain Cross. “At dawn to-morrow let it be. Throgmor- ton and J will arrange the details. Stanton is the challenger, of course. Will you be so kind as to name the weapons, sir?” “T have contended against you gentlemen, all three of you, in friendly shooting matches,” said Burnham. “You all know what I can do with a pistol.” “We do,” said Mr. Throgmorton. “The knowl- edge cost me twenty guineas in bets, if I remember rightly. You are the best shot I have ever seen. You name pistols, then?” “No,” replied Burnham. “I name swords.” “Very handsome of you!” exclaimed Cross and Throgmorton. eo Stanton said nothing. He was a good swords- man, but he had no stomach for bloodshed. Comichooks.com