The Wasp, 1918 · page 246 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 246: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains **serialized fiction narrative**, not a political cartoon. It's from "The Wasp," a 19th-century American satirical magazine, but this particular excerpt appears to be part of an adventure story rather than satire. The text describes a dramatic naval incident: a character named Alexander covers up what appears to be a crime (possibly murder or mutiny involving pirates). He destroys evidence—his soiled clothing weighted with weapons—by throwing it overboard, then returns to his cabin to appear innocent before his wife Elizabeth wakes. The narrative suggests a **cover-up of violence at sea**, with Alexander taking "his own hand" to prevent a "shameful tragedy." The irony lies in his gratitude to God while committing deception. Without seeing accompanying illustrations, the satirical intent—if any—remains unclear. This may be serialized adventure fiction rather than satirical commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
i a i DOE IR OSG Ne Pe ea : THE WASP 237 cut through. Evidently one of the escaped pirates had crept out of the edge of the jungle, trampled upon the lantern, and cut his captain free. This was the opinion of the officers in command of the war-ship’s boats. A brief and fruitless expedition was made into the jungle: Half an hour later the three boats retired with the captured schooner towing behind them. They reached the frigate before dawn. Alexander found his wife still sleeping peace- fully. Helocked the door of the cabin noiselessly, and in the dark divested himself of his scanty and - soiled attire. He made the shirt and breeches into a small bundle, weighted the bundle with a pistol and a heavy knife, and dropped 1 it through the port into the sea. Then he washed his face and hands, donned his night-robe, and retired thankfully to his narrow berth. The shameful tragedy had been averted. He had averted it with his own hand. He thanked God, and presently fellinto a peace- 2 ful slumber. When Alexander and Elizabeth awoke and went on deck they beheld the green island of St. Kitts far astern. The white schooner, manned by a prize crew, sailed on the frigate’s course R ; comichooks.com