The Wasp, 1913 · page 277 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 277: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page appears to be from a serialized fiction story rather than a satirical cartoon. It depicts a dramatic moment where Alexander is summoned to Captain Robinson's cabin following a naval encounter with pirates. The scene reveals that the pirate leader escaped, and Robinson cryptically explains this was done "for your sake." Alexander's shocked reaction—"color died slowly out of Alexander's face"—suggests the pirate leader has some personal connection to him, likely compromising or scandalous. The text emphasizes Alexander's internal struggle with "humiliating scandal" and his need to "face" this "like a man," indicating a serious personal or family matter has been exposed or is at risk of exposure. Without seeing the cartoon imagery or earlier context, the specific historical reference and satirical target remain unclear. The page reads as dramatic fiction exploring themes of honor, family reputation, and moral compromise rather than topical political satire typical of *The Wasp*.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
272 THE WASP and shaken for a moment; but he recovered himself quickly. This was bad; but the thing which he had averted, by the mercy of God, was a thousand times. worse. He had done his best for his family, for himself, and for James. He could do no more now than face the humiliating scandal like a man. Shortly after breakfast Alexander was summoned. politely to Captain Robinson’s cabin. He found half a dozen other officers with the captain. All looked embarrassed. All shook hands with him, the captain leading. “We did not get the leader of the pirates aboard —and I’m glad of it, now that I’ve thought it over,” said Robinson... “We got his schooner and smashed. his crew. We drew his sting; and, considering the circumstances, I’m glad we did no more—for your sake.” The color died slowly out of Alexander’s face and his glance fell. “For my sake?” he queried. “What d’ye mean?” The old sailor explained his meaning, awkwardly, kindly, ramblingly. The notorious pirate who had Comichooks.com