The Wasp, 1913 · page 170 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 170: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This appears to be a narrative passage from a serialized story rather than a political cartoon. The text describes a meeting between James Burnham and John Trimmer, apparently childhood friends who've reunited under dramatic circumstances. The satire's target is unclear from this excerpt alone, but the context suggests commentary on criminality and social mobility: "John Trimmer" has apparently escaped legal consequences for highway robbery ("taken toll of the roads") and now commands a crew as a pirate ("taking toll of the seas"). Burnham's greeting—unarmed, friendly, congratulatory toward a wanted criminal—may satirize either: - Corruption or complicity among the respectable classes - Romantic glorification of outlaws - Class commentary on how the lawless can gain autonomy and authority Without additional context about *The Wasp's* publication date or political leanings, the precise target remains unclear. This reads as literary satire rather than direct political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 165 jumped to the true and amazing conclusion that John Trimmer had escaped the clutch of the law and was now taking toll of the seas as he had taken toll of the roads. There was no mistaking the calling of the fellows in the long-boat. Again his glance flickered over those hardy and villainous faces. Even the rowers had twisted around on the thwarts and were staring at him. He felt a glow of admiration for John Trimmer. The rowers threw their oars inboard and the boats touched and lay gunwale to gunwale. James Burnham smiled, stepped lightly from the fishing boat into the crowded long-boat, and extended his hand to John Trimmer. He was unarmed. : “Well met, John Trimmer!” he said heartily. “Good morning to you, my brave lads all. Jack and I are boyhood friends. Jack, you must tell me how you managed this—for, on my soul, I had small expectations of meeting you thus, your own master again and with ten sturdy seamen at your back. I congratulate you, Jack!’ Comichooks.com