The Wasp, 1918 · page 268 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 268: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This appears to be a **narrative fiction excerpt** rather than a political cartoon. The text describes a violent confrontation aboard a ship between Captain Burnham's forces and crew members including Smith, David Jones, and Winch. The passage depicts a brutal mutiny or piracy scene with graphic combat. The mention of "Henry Todd" suggests this is likely from a serialized adventure story rather than satire targeting contemporary politics or public figures. The reference to a "huge negro cook" reflects period terminology typical of 19th-century American literature, though the characterization—that he continues fighting because he distrusts mercy—presents him as rational rather than stereotypically buffoonish. **Without seeing the full context or The Wasp's publication date, I cannot identify what historical event or public figures this might reference.** This reads as entertainment fiction rather than political satire or commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
NS a Le ee eg ee i Be. THE WASP 259 Cap’n Burnham,” he said pleasantly. “1 got an idee as how the cap’n wants to slit yer gullets, with his own hand. Hark to that! Sit still, curse ve |" z Smith was already on his feet, with his right hand encircling one of the heavy stoneware mugs ; but before he could lift the mug to throw it, David Jones threw both his knives. Smith screamed and crashed down across the table with one knife embedded in his throat and one in his abdomen. ! Winch snatched up a three-legged stool and hurled it as Jones vaulted the table and the still quivering clay of the ship-master, and dashed from the cabin and up the short ladder to the deck. But there his flight ended—with James Burnham’s sword through him, and the silver hilt of it within four inches of his breast-bone. | The half-hearted resistance of the brig’s crew had been. practically overcome before Winch’s sudden and terrific extinction. Only the huge ‘negro cook continued to: fight. He had seen _and recognized Henry Todd and so had shrewdly guessed that surrender would benefit him not at all. He had heard Burnham’s shouted offer of life and fortune for every man who surrendered without striking a blow, but he remembered comichooks.com