The Wasp, 1918 · page 186 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 186: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page appears to be from a serialized fiction story rather than a satirical cartoon. It depicts a dialogue aboard a ship between characters named Burnham (apparently a new quartermaster), Slim Sam (an ex-pickpocket first mate), and references to Captain Hicks and a mysterious woman. The scene involves intrigue: a woman has illegally boarded the schooner, violating company rules. Slim Sam cryptically threatens that either the captain will put her ashore or there will be "a new captain"—implying mutiny or coercion. Burnham, wary of Sam's manipulations, feigns ignorance while questioning the woman's identity and origin (French or Spanish). The narrative explores themes of blackmail, maritime hierarchy, and scandal. Without knowing the publication date or broader story context, it's unclear what specific satirical or social commentary this story intended, though it likely reflects period attitudes about women, class, and moral transgression.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 177 women. He turned a blind eye to Welsh Owen so’s not to draw attention to himself and the women. It is against the rules of our company to keep women aboard this schooner—and a wise rule, too!” 3 ** And yet the incident seemed to pass unre- marked,” replied Butnham. ““Ye’re wrong, sir,’ returned the ex-pick- pocket. “It escaped nobody. To-morrow yell see. The captain will put her ashore— unless he is quite mad. Otherwise? Well, a new captain.” Burnham distrusted Slim Sam. He saw that the fellow was: hinting something beneath his words—inviting questions—offering something. But Burnham had learned caution of late. He Pectended stupidity. “TI don’t know your rules,” he said. “ Who is the woman? Where did Hicks get her, I wonder? Is she French or Spanish ? ” The first mate smiled. He seemed to be bent upon humouring this new quartermaster. You are younger than I am,” he said tenderly ; “‘ but I was never a squire of dames. IT never. attracted them ; and I was only a poor man, a bookseller’s clerk, before—my trouble. - But I can tell you about this woman. She is comichooks.com