The Wasp, 1913 · page 159 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 159: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *The Wasp* depicts a literary narrative rather than a political cartoon. It shows a dialogue following a duel between characters named James and Stanton. Cross reassures James that he fought honorably—Stanton was a skilled swordsman, the conditions were fair, and James's wounding of him ("pinked him") was unavoidable. The scene concerns the aftermath of what appears to be a gentlemanly duel, with James now needing to flee the island while awaiting news of whether Stanton survives. The conversation emphasizes honor, fair play, and the social codes governing dueling among gentlemen. James claims the sun hindered his aim, suggesting he didn't intend a fatal wound. Without additional context about *The Wasp's* date or the specific historical figures involved, the precise satirical target remains unclear, though the passage itself satirizes the formal justifications and social protocols surrounding dueling.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
154 THE WASP Cross went over to Burnham and extended his hand. “Death wound or no, your conscience is clean in this matter,” he said. “You could not have es- caped the meeting with honor. Stanton is a skilled swordsman and fought to kill; and no one will deny that the sun was fair in your eyes, and every advantage to Stanton, when you pinked him. But you'll have to get away and lie low for a while, at least—until the result is known. It’s a confounded shame, but I fear that it is so, nevertheless. What are your plans? What can I do for you? Have you any money for your immediate needs?” “You are-very kind,” replied James. “I havea little money and can make shift, I think. Captain Nash will give me a few days of grace in which to get away from the island, even if Stanton should die before night. It was a fair fight, and one which T could not avoid. Don’t worry about me, sir. I'll rest here for a little while. I meant to wing him, but the sun was in my eyes.” They carried Stanton away, still breathing and Comichooks.com