The Wasp, 1918 · page 25 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 25: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains serialized fiction rather than political satire or cartoons. It depicts a dialogue between two characters—Burnham and a ship's captain (Hobkirk)—debating whether to engage an enemy vessel in combat. Burnham advocates attacking a larger schooner despite being outnumbered (150 crew vs. 40), confident in superior height and firepower. Hobkirk refuses, warning they'd be killed for their "five hundred guineas" (a substantial sum). He characterizes the opposing crew as dangerous ("devils"), suggesting they're likely pirates or brigands rather than legitimate sailors. The scene conveys period naval adventure fiction typical of 19th-century periodicals—depicting maritime conflict, class tensions between captain and passenger, and debates over courage versus prudence. Without broader context, the specific historical event or satirical target remains unclear.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Il Burnuam’s pale eyes shone and glinted. His hands trembled on the taffrail and an ar iery , puree visibly in his neck. ** You have a strong crew and a stout ship,” he said. ‘“Why not wait for them and Biv them - a drubbing ?” “Wait for them?” repeated the clipes: in a horrified voice. ‘‘ Heaven help you, sir, but you don’t know their kidney! A strong - crew, say you! If we have forty seaman and the ~ after-guard, that schooner carries one hundred and fifty devils—devils, sir! ”’ “ But we have the taller ship,” persisted Burnham, “and pistols in plenty. We could shoot down upon her decks ; we could cut them down as they came over the side, one by one.” “Aye; and yed soon be _ whistling through a slit gizzard for your five hundred guineas ! ”’ retorted Hobkirk dryly. He glanced at his passenger, then stared at him with round eyes. Burnham’s gaze was fixed 16 COMMmicnooks.com