The Wasp, 1918 · page 45 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 45: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains prose narrative rather than a cartoon—an excerpt from a serialized story featuring characters James Burnham, Mr. Smith, and a referenced Mr. Angus McLatchy of Kingston. The passage depicts a confrontation aboard a ship ("brig") where Burnham claims connection to McLatchy to gain passage to Barbados. Smith demands proof, skeptical of Burnham's word. The text reveals Burnham possesses "a mark on his shoulder"—likely a brand or tattoo serving as identification—but recognizes it will mean nothing to strangers. The scene illustrates class and social hierarchy: Burnham is treated as a common sailor, confined to the main-deck, excluded from the cabin, and eating galley fare rather than dining with officers. The narrative suggests themes of identity, proof of status, and social exclusion aboard ship—common in 19th-century adventure or social commentary fiction that *The Wasp* serialized for its readership.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
36 _ THE WASP cre Sourly at Mr. Smith until the glance “i that worthy wavered and fell. “ Barbados will suit me to a wish,” he said, — “for I doubt not that my friend, Mr. Angus - McLatchy of Kingston, has an agent or corre= spondent in that island.” : Smith fingered his beard and treated the casta- ey to a sharp but fleeting glance. “Tike enough,” he said, “like enough; , ae what proof can ye show that same agent or correspondent that ye’re a friend o’ Mr. Angus McLatchy? I’m thinkin’, young man, he'll — want more than yer word for it.” ‘“T have the proof,” replied James Burnham easily; but in his heart he knew that the mark on his shoulder would count fn nothing among strangers. - pane the remaining hours of that day Burn- ham was permitted to idle about the. brig’s- main-deck and sit or lie in such patches of shade as happened to take his fancy. When he was thirsty he went to the open water-butt which — lay lashed to the bulwarks, amidships on the starboard side, and drank his fill, At meal- times, receiving no invitation to the cabin, he went to the galley and ate whatever coarse fare was passed out to him by the cook. Gonttansel een