The Wasp, 1918 · page 138 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 138: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains fictional narrative prose—likely serialized fiction from *The Wasp*, a 19th-century San Francisco satirical magazine. It depicts a dramatic sword duel between two men: Stanton and Burnham. The scene describes Stanton's apparent victory turning suddenly fatal when Burnham, despite having "the light in his enemy's eyes," strikes a potentially mortal blow to Stanton's breast. Burnham claims the sun blinded him and he didn't intend a death-wound. The passage emphasizes class and emotional distinctions: Willis (apparently a servant or lower-status figure) provides medical aid; Throgmorton displays aristocratic sensitivity by turning away and using perfumed lace; Captain Cross extends a gesture of reconciliation to Burnham. Without additional context about the serialized story's political allegory, the specific satirical target remains unclear. The page appears to be straightforward melodramatic fiction rather than direct political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP ayes to feel the strain upon their nerves. Willis gazed seaward, his thin, kindly young face as white as his shirt. Stanton’s brow, cheeks and throat glistened with sweat. The sun was at his back and full in his enemy’s eyes. The next thrust would end it. He put. forth all the strength of wrist and shoulder to press aside that slender barrier. He had the fellow at his mercy. _ The pressure began to tell on the other’s blade.. He uttered a gusty sigh through parted lips, lowered his point, and lunged as quick as light. And then it happened, so swiftly that none could see the way of it. Stanton, struck in the very moment of victory, sank to the sand and the red blood leaped out upon the white linen on his breast. Burnham stood motionless, with the red point of his sword in the lilac sand. “ J intended to run him through the shoulder ; but the light was in my eyes,” he said. “J © have not given him his death-wound, I trust.” __ Willis fell on his knees beside the wounded man and set to work with his bandages. Throg- morton shuddered, turned away, and brushed a square of perfumed lace across his dripping face. Captain Cross went over to Burnham and extended his hand. - comichooks.com