The Wasp, 1918 · page 233 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 233: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This appears to be a serialized dramatic narrative rather than a cartoon. Two military men—Alexander and Peter Scovil—are depicted in what seems to be a ship's cabin (references to "galley" and "berth"). Alexander has received a distressing letter that troubles him deeply, and Scovil urges him to destroy it without reading its contents. The tension concerns a potential "disgrace" that might force Alexander to leave military service. Alexander insists the letter must be read by both Scovil (his commanding officer) and Elizabeth Nash before any action is taken, suggesting the letter contains information affecting his honor and career. The satirical or dramatic point appears to center on military duty, personal honor, and whether concealing wrongdoing serves one's country—themes common in late 19th/early 20th-century American periodicals. Without seeing previous pages or knowing the full context, the specific scandal referenced remains unclear.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
224. = _ THE WASP « and his lips were Gaia in an expression of utter misery. His right hand, hanging limp at his side, clutched the letter. Scovil sprang forward with a cry of concern — and slipped an arm about his friend’s shoulders. “What is it?” he asked ; and yet he knew, for he had guessed. “ Burn it,” he continued. — “It shall go no farther, lad. Tell me nothing. Let me fetch a light from the galley, and some _| brandy. Come over here, lad, andlieinmy berth _| until I get back—and put that in your pocket.”- | _ Alexander trembled, set his jaws, and stood straight. He looked at his friend fixedly for a second, then with a quick warmth in his eyes. ““ God bless you, Peter,” he said. “ But no —no, I may not burn it yet. You must readit, and Elizabeth Nash must read it. Must I quit the service of my country? Must the world — know of our disgrace? Itis for you toread this ‘thing and tell me, as my commanding officer and as my friend.” | - “T tell you now, lad, that there is no more | cause for you to leave the service than for me | to leave it,” replied Scovil. “As for the world | —why, the deuce take it! Let me burn the | thing. You can tell me what you ‘wish—or =I tell me nothing.’ ea if icomicbooks.com)