The Wasp, 1918 · page 247 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 247: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This appears to be a passage from a serialized narrative rather than a political cartoon. The text describes a naval officer named Alexander who participated in a nighttime raid against pirates, commanding a character named James. The scene depicts Alexander being summoned to Captain Robinson's cabin after breakfast, where he meets with embarrassed officers. Robinson explains they failed to capture the pirate leader but successfully destroyed his schooner and crew. Robinson's final statement—"for your sake"—suggests Alexander has a personal connection to the pirate captain (possibly a relative or friend), which the officers tactfully acknowledge by not pursuing him. The narrative explores themes of duty, honor, and the moral compromises of warfare. Without additional context about which specific historical incident or fictional work *The Wasp* was serializing, the exact political or social satire cannot be definitively identified.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
238 ‘THE WASP half a mile to starboard. Alexander intended — to confess all to his wife some day ; but just now he told her nothing of the cutting-out See of the night. Suddenly he remembered a thing which ihe had overlooked in the first joyous flood of relief —to wit, that the pirate captain’s identity had become known to the invaders before his escape. He was chilled and shaken for a moment ; but he recovered himself quickly. This was bad ; but the thing which he had averted, by the mercy of God, was a thousand times worse. : He had done his best for his taualy, ee himself, and for James.. He could do no more now than face the humiliating scandal like man. : ae Shortly after breakfast Alexander was sum- moned politely to Captain Robinson’s cabin. He found half a dozen other officers with the captain. All looked embarrassed. All shook hands with him, the captain leading. ““We did not get the leader of the pirates aboard—and I’m glad of it, now that I’ve thought it over,” said Robinson. ‘‘ We got his schooner and smashed his crew. We drew his sting; and, considering the circumstances, I’m glad we did no more—for your sake.” icomicbooks!com,