The Wasp, 1918 · page 139 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 139: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page appears to be from a serialized fiction story rather than political satire or cartoon commentary. It depicts the aftermath of a duel between James Burnham and a man named Stanton, set on an island. The text shows a conversation where an unnamed figure (possibly Captain Cross or Nash) reassures Burnham that his conscience is clear—the duel was fair, fought in daylight with equal terms. Stanton was a skilled swordsman who "fought to kill," and Burnham's excuse that "the sun was in my eyes" explains his aim. Burnham is advised to flee the island until Stanton's fate is determined, as dueling carries legal/social consequences. He's offered money and Captain Nash promises him "a few days of grace" to escape. This appears to be a dramatic narrative installment, not satirical commentary on contemporary politics or social issues. Without knowing the publication date or broader context of *The Wasp*, the specific historical references remain unclear.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
130 ~ THE WASP “¢ Death-wound or no, your conscience is clean in this matter,” he said. “ You could not have — escaped the meeting with honour. Stanton is a skilled swordsman and fought to kill ; and no one © will deny that the sun was fair in your eyes, and — every advantage to Stanton, when you pinked © him. But you'll have to get away and lie low for a while, at least—until the result is known. It’s a confounded shame, but I fear that it is so, nevertheless. What are your plans? What can I dofor you? Have you any money for your - immediate needs ? ”’ "You are very kind,” replied James. “J have a little money and can make shift, | think. Captain Nash will give me a few days of grace in which to get away from the island, even if Stanton should die before night, It was a fair fight, and one which I could not avoid. Don’t worry about me, sir. I?ll rest here for a little while. I meant to wing him, but the ‘sun was in my eyes.” They carried Stanton away, still breathing and still bleeding, and James Burnham was left — alone. He still held the sword with which he, had wounded Stanton and of which Captain Cross had forgotten to relieve him. As Burnham stood there gripping his bloody Feommicbooks\com i