The Wasp, 1913 · page 354 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 354: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This appears to be a serialized fictional narrative rather than a political cartoon. The text depicts a dramatic naval encounter between Admiral John Benbow and James Burnham, a pirate captain operating under the ship-name "the Wasp." The scene plays on historical pirate lore—referencing the infamous Captain Flint (a legendary pirate figure). Benbow, recognizing Burnham as a notorious criminal, nonetheless respects his bravery in combat and grants him the courtesy of finishing the battle before execution ("you shall swing"). The passage emphasizes a code of honor among military men, even enemies: they shake hands gravely despite Benbow's death sentence hanging over Burnham. This romanticized portrayal of piracy and naval combat was typical entertainment literature for *The Wasp*'s audience. Without seeing accompanying illustrations, the satirical or comedic intent (if any) remains unclear—this reads as adventure fiction rather than satire.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
fa IEE a SSS es See cone ee THE WASP 347 honorably and dishonorably, in these seas and else- where. So your name is Burnham! Let me be- lieve it to be Alexander Burnham, late a distin- guished officer in this service.” “T regret to say, sir, that I cannot claim that honor. My name is James Burnham.” “You are the Wasp, then—the most notorious, bloody pirate these seas have known since the days of Flint!” “It would be useless to deny it, sir,” replied the gun captain in a somewhat pinched voice. “But, for Heaven’s sake, let me finish this fight!” he cried, a sudden spasm suddenly wrecking the com- posure of his blood-stained face. “Let me see this fight through, I beg of you!” John Benbow’s eyes wavered. “Very good,” he said. “Very good! You have worked your guns bravely, sir; but if you are alive after the fight, and I have a yard left, you shall swing! Yes, even if you were my own son! And here’s my hand on it, lad.” They shook hands gravely; then the admiral swung on his heel and returned to the quarter-deck. Comichooks.com