The Wasp, 1918 · page 83 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 83: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page appears to be from a serialized fictional narrative rather than a political cartoon. The text depicts a scene where a colonial governor recognizes a young man named James Burnham as nobility based on a distinctive birthmark (a "paternal crest") on his back—suggesting he's the illegitimate son of Sir Walter Burnham of Berkshire. The satire likely mocks Victorian melodrama conventions: the coincidental recognition, the mysterious shipwreck backstory, and the gentleman's magnanimous treatment of the castaway. The reference to escaping a "New England brig" suggests this is adventure fiction set during the American colonial period. The humor targets overwrought narrative tropes popular in 19th-century serial fiction—unlikely recognitions, noble bastards, and conveniently revealing physical marks that establish identity and social status. Without seeing the broader story, the specific satirical targets remain unclear.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
74 THE WASP ‘She suffered no serious injury, either from her accident or the attack of that rogue Smith, thanks to you. She tells me that you named yourself to her as Burnham. Is this so?” — ““Tt is my name,” answered the other slowly and weakly. “ James Burnham, at your ser- | vice. I am a Berkshire’ man—of ae family | of Burnham of Burnham.” - : : “Say no more, my dear lad,” replied the governor cordially. ‘‘ Mr. Willis, who is a surgeon, says that you must not be questioned just now. I have heard of Sir Walter Burnham of Burnham, and of his unusual custom of having all his offspring marked with the paternal crest; ¥ and I have seen your naked back. You are ~ among friends, lad. Later, when you are ~ stronger, you must tell us the story of the mis- adventures which threw you upon our shores in such desperate plight. Now swallow whatever mixture Mr. Willis gives you, clear your mind of worry, and try to sleep.” Burnham’s eyelids fluttered, but they did not open. : “You are very kind,” he said, “and I pray you to extend your kindness to the unfortunate lad Todd, who helped me escape from the New | England brig. I know nothing of him except | icomiicbooks: