The Wasp, 1918 · page 256 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 256: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page appears to be a continuation of a serialized adventure narrative rather than a cartoon or satirical piece. It describes a captain (James Burnham) laying out a military or privateering campaign to his crew, involving sailing northward along a coast, raiding a French fishing village for boats and provisions, then proceeding to Nevis to acquire a trading schooner. The text mentions characters named Bill Hook and James Burnham, with reference to superstitions about unlucky numbers in the company. The passage emphasizes Burnham's dismissal of "ancient superstitions" while pragmatically organizing supplies and strategy. Without visible illustrations on this page, the satirical or humorous intent—if any—remains unclear. This reads as straightforward adventure fiction rather than political or social satire typical of *The Wasp's* content.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 247 meant to reduce the unlucky number of the com- pany by one; and he knew, as well as Bill Hook knew, that the reduction would be made at poor Bill’s expense. This knowledge amused James ; but it did not amuse Bill Hook to any extent. Though slightly amused by the ignorance of his followers, the captain said nothing more to the discredit of ancient superstitions. He set them briskly at work. _ Two oaken breakers were filled and stowed inthe boat. Fruit, the two bags of biscuits, arms, and ammunition were put aboard. Then James Burnham explained his plan of campaign. They would follow the coast northward for a distance of twelve or fifteen miles, and then under cover of darkness, slip into the cove of q_ little French fishing village that he had sighted more than once from his schooner’s deck. There they would supply themselves with the largest and best of the fishing-boats and such provisions as the place could offer. This done, they would turn about and sail to Nevis, where, in a little port which he had often noticed when he lived on that island, they would be sure to find an » interisland trading-schooner that would serve - their purpose. Perhaps they would pick up comlichooks.com