The Wasp, 1913 · page 245 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 245: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page appears to be from a serialized fiction story rather than a traditional political cartoon. It depicts a character named John Trimmer, apparently a pirate or privateer captain commanding the ship *Le Diable*, contemplating expanding his criminal operations by using two vessels instead of one to outpace rivals ("Deck and Duval") and accumulate wealth faster. The narrative reveals Trimmer's vanity and ambition—he wants to impress a woman named Hélène by proving himself superior to a deceased predecessor, "Hellfire Hicks." His first mate, "Slim Sam," subtly opposes the expansion plan by kicking another officer (James Burnham) under the table, then diplomatically claiming the scheme has "one and only weak spot." Without seeing earlier context or knowing *The Wasp*'s specific publication date, the satirical target remains unclear—whether this mocks actual historical figures, contemporary business practices, or adventure fiction itself.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
240 THE WASP Why should he, John Trimmer, share the toll of the rich and narrow seas with such blunderers as Deck and Duval? Had not Hellfire Hicks already been swept from his path? Why should he not reap the harvest and harry the other harvesters with two ships instead of one? The personal risk would be no greater; he would acquire wealth almost twice as fast, and soon be in a position to retire and live in England like a squire. Meanwhile, he would be the greatest gentleman of fortune afloat. He possessed the brains and courage, the men, and now the ships. Héléne would see that he was a much greater man than the late Hicks. His vanity glowed. So he called his officers into the after-cabin of Le Diable and laid his plans before them. ® Slim Sam trod lightly on James Burnham’s toe beneath the table, then smoothly opposed the cap- tain’s suggestion of carrying on his activities in two hulls. Trimmer flared; but the first mate calmed him by saying that he objected to the plan because of its, one and only weak spot. Could Comichooks.com