The Wasp, 1918 · page 144 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 144: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a serialized fiction excerpt, not a political cartoon. The text describes a narrative moment in what appears to be a 19th-century novel set on the island of Nevis. The passage depicts Captain Algernon Nash, the governor, discovering that his aide James Burnham has disappeared, leaving only a sealed letter for "Miss Nash" (Elizabeth). Through questioning Mr. Willis, Nash learns that Burnham has fought a duel that morning. The satire appears directed at colonial governance and personal relationships: Nash's dependence on Burnham for official duties, the dramatic entanglement involving Elizabeth Nash, and the duel as a "gentleman's" resolution to conflict. The governor's violent reaction underscores the social disruption caused by this affair. Without seeing the actual illustration on this page (if one exists), context about *The Wasp* magazine's date and editorial position, or knowing the serial's origin, precise historical references remain unclear.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.
1X CapTrain ALcERNON Nasu, governor of Nevis, was accustomed to doing all his official business for the day in the cool of the morning, between the hours of seven and ten. Recently he had come to depend more than he knew upon the help and society of James Burnham during these hours. On this particular morning he sat alone until close upon eight o’clock, idle and expectant, then sent a servant to Mr. Burnham’s room. The man returned with the information that the room was empty, and with a sealed letter in his hand addressed to Miss Nash. The letter ~ was delivered to Elizabeth and people were sent _here and there through the house and Bounds in search of Burnham. Mr. Willis, who had returned from Stanton’s quarters, admitted that he had seen James Burnham ‘early that morning; and a few press- ing questions brought forth the story of the ~ duel. The governor swore violently and 135 : comichooks.com