The Wasp, 1913 · page 262 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 262: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page appears to be from a serialized fiction story rather than a political cartoon. The scene depicts two naval officers—Alexander and Peter Scovil—in what seems to be a ship's cabin, discussing a mysterious letter. Alexander has received correspondence containing apparently damaging information ("our disgrace"). Scovil, his commanding officer and friend, urges him to burn it unread to protect both their reputations and careers. Alexander refuses, insisting the letter be read by Scovil and someone named Elizabeth Nash, suggesting the matter concerns honor and duty to country over personal self-protection. The satire likely targets 19th-century naval culture—the tension between loyalty, honor, and self-preservation. Without additional context about *The Wasp's* publication date or the broader narrative, the specific political or social commentary remains unclear. The exchange emphasizes competing values: friendship versus duty, discretion versus transparency.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 257 and slipped an arm about his friend’s shoulders. “What is it?’ he asked; and yet he knew, for he had guessed. “Burn it,” he continued. “It shall go no farther, lad. Tell me nothing. Let me fetch a light from the galley, and some brandy. Come over here, lad, and lie in my berth until I get back —and put that in your pocket.” Alexander trembled, set his jaws, and stood straight. He looked at his friend fixedly for a sec- ond, then with a quick warmth in his eyes. “God bless you, Peter,” he said. “But no—no, I may not burn it yet. You must read it, and Eliza- ‘beth Nash must read it. Must I quit the service of my country? Must the world know of our dis- grace? It is for you to read this thing and tell me, as my commanding officer and as my friend.” “T tell you now, lad, that there is no more cause for you to leave the service than for me to leave it,” replied Scovil. “As for the world—why, the deuce take it! Let me burn the thing. You can tell me what you wish—or tell me nothing.” “Read it,’ said Alexander, pressing the letter into Scovil’s hand. ° Comichooks.com