The Wasp, 1913 · page 317 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 317: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This appears to be a serialized fiction piece rather than a political cartoon. The narrative follows a character named James who is conducting an undercover investigation, disguising himself with wigs, patches, and altered clothing to move undetected through taverns and coffee houses. The passage establishes James's detective work—he's searching for someone (likely Percy Stanton, whom other characters discuss) while maintaining a convincing disguise. The final dialogue reveals that Percy Stanton has disappeared, and the speakers care more about his wealth than his absence. The satire targets social hypocrisy: the young men admit they don't value Stanton's companionship, only his money. This reflects broader *Wasp* themes mocking materialistic Victorian society and moral pretense among the wealthy. Without seeing illustrations or knowing the full serial context, the specific political or social figures referenced remain unclear.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Deen eee 310 THE WASP ER James threw several gold pieces on the counter and told the man to ply his needle diligently. Next he visited a wig-maker and furnished himself with the latest thing in wigs to be had in town. Next day James kept to his lodgings, heavy- shouldered, decently but somewhat poorly clothed, and with a patch over one eye. He smoked his long pipe and read in one of his brown books; and the little maid who waited upon him thought him a very kind and studious old gentleman. After supper he changed again and went out into the ill-lit streets, leaving his deformity behind him. He visited half a dozen taverns and coffee-houses of the better sort. He drank sparingly, and at last returned to his lodgings without having seen or heard anything of the man he sought. On the following night he visited another half- dozen taverns; and in the last one he overheard some talk of Percy Stanton. “What has become of Percy Stanton?” asked one young blood of another. “I haven’t clapped eyes on him since the Lord knows when. I don’t miss his society, mind you, but I do miss his money!’ Comichooks.com