The Wasp, 1918 · page 54 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 54: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page appears to be an excerpt from a serialized adventure story rather than a political cartoon or satire. The narrative involves characters named Burnham and Todd planning an escape by boat from a Caribbean location, with references to Nevis, St. Kitts, and potential capture by pirates or sale into slavery/plantation labor. The dialogue reflects period concerns about colonial conflicts (French versus English control) and maritime danger. The text emphasizes the urgency and darkness of their situation—preparing weapons, maintaining silence, moving under cover of night. Without seeing the accompanying illustration or knowing the publication date, I cannot identify the specific political context or determine whether this is genuine fiction or satirical commentary on colonial adventures and naval conflicts.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 4s make the little island of Nevis some time during the following day. “And where is it they intend to sell my neck _ for a reward ?”’ asked Burnham. : “In Nevis,” replied the boy ; “ to the governor ~ of Nevis. An’ if they can’t make a pirate of ~ ye, they’ll sell ye to a planter.” “In that case we had better try to get ashore - in St. Kitts, though I don’t know if it is held by the French or the Englishjust now. Do your best about the boat, lad, and give mea call when - it isready. Water, biscuits, a sail, and oars we must have, and if you can get hold of a musket — or a brace of pistols, with powder and ball, so much the better.” | The night fell dark, with clouds between the _ sea and the stars. It was long after midnight _ when Todd returned to the sweltering forecastle _ __and crept to Burnham’s side. - — “ All’s ready,” he whispered, “ an’ everythin’s black as pitch. . The boat’s over the starboard | “side, amidships. Follow me, cap’n. Lay a hand on my shirt. Not a ae for the love ' -o Heaven !” They went up the jade. as asundless as ghosts, -theboy inthe lead. Truly the night was as black D comichooks.com