The Wasp, 1918 · page 78 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 78: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page appears to be from a serialized adventure or melodrama rather than political satire. It depicts a confrontation between a **governor** and a character named **Burnham**, who is being accused of piracy by a man named **Smith** (described with a "goatish beard"). The scene involves: - A **governor** skeptical of Burnham's character - **Burnham**, accused of being "Hicks," a pirate - **Smith**, a dramatic accuser making moral pronouncements about lustful men and justice The satire seems directed at **theatrical moralizing and false accusations**—Smith delivers overwrought, hypocritical rhetoric ("lustful men be brought to justice untempered by mercy") while pointing fingers. The humor likely lies in the contrast between Smith's sanctimonious posturing and his apparent connection to disreputable figures, suggesting social hypocrisy. Without the accompanying illustration, full interpretation is limited. The text reads as dramatic fiction rather than explicit political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
V “7 wave already heard something of it,” said the governor dryly. ‘“‘ You have done my _ daughter a slight service, have you? Jam under obligations to Hellfire Hicks, am I? What is the world coming to? But you'll have a fair hearing, my man.” Burnham drew himself up with dignity, and his glance kindled upon the other ; but he made no retort; for at that moment the party from the brig halted within a few yards of their quarry and Smith began to address the governor ina high, twanging voice. * That’s him, yer honour ! * he cried, pointing at Burnham,and wagging his goatish beard. “Aye, that’s the pirate—that’s Hicks. Come ashore to see one o’ his wenches, did he? Undone through the lust 0’ the blood! So may all lustful men be brought to justice untem- pered by mercy! Bid her drop her consuming hand from your honour’s neck. Clear yer eyes comichooks.com