The Wasp, 1918 · page 254 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 254: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This appears to be a serialized narrative fiction rather than a political cartoon. The passage depicts a conversation between sailors—James Burnham, Bill Hook, and Tom Croft—about a rival captain named John Trimmer. Burnham argues that superstitions (avoiding Friday departures, black cats, the number thirteen) are worthless, using Trimmer as an example of a superstitious man who nonetheless succeeded through luck. He attempts to convince the crew to mutiny against Trimmer, suggesting they follow him instead. Croft retorts that Trimmer has both a ship and a full crew, while Burnham has neither—implying Burnham's position is weaker. Burnham's "dangerous slow smile" suggests he's plotting violence, likely planning to attack Trimmer's vessel. The passage portrays a power struggle among rival sailors and captains, with themes of ambition, superstition, and betrayal. Without seeing illustrations or knowing *The Wasp's* specific date, the satirical intent remains unclear—though this may critique maritime culture or leadership generally.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 246 Bill Hook trembled and swore and ‘plucked - at his red beard with a clawlike hand. The others turned curious, leering faces toward him. “J don’t hold with these old-wives’ tales,” said James Burnham. “I leave such for blundering swabs like John Trimmer. John was afraid of the number thirteen as he’s afraid of me. John would never get his anchor up on a Friday, nor have a black cat aboard, nor look at a new moon without turning his money over in his breeches-pocket. And what has luck done for the dog ? "He enjoyed some fool luck until a better man came along—and there it ended. Who is the captain you lads chose to follow, of your own free will—John Trimmer or Jim Burnham? Aye, Jim Burnham. | You’re ready to follow Trimmer now—to slit his dirty throat when you overhaul him. What’s all this infernal superstition done for that white-livered hound ? ” ; : “ He’s got his ship, cap’n, an’ he’s got his full crew; an’ ye ain’t got neither,” replied Tom Croft. 3 “Aye,” returned James, with a dangerous slow smile which caused the thick skin on the back of Croft’s neck to twitch and creep. “‘ Aye, ‘Tom, he’s got his schooner, and he’s got his comichooks.com