The Wasp — 1914 — page 173: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page depicts a scene involving John Trimmer, a criminal who has escaped legal prosecution and apparently turned to piracy on the seas. The narrative describes Trimmer's reunion with an old associate named Jack (likely Jack Sheppard or a similar notorious figure, given the historical piracy context) and ten seamen in a long-boat. James Burnham greets Trimmer warmly, praising his audacity in evading authorities and establishing himself as a maritime outlaw. The satire appears to celebrate or mock criminal cleverness—Trimmer has transitioned from highway robbery to sea-based criminal enterprise. Without additional context about *The Wasp's* publication date and specific contemporary criminal figures, the precise historical reference remains unclear, though the piece critiques law enforcement's inability to contain notorious criminals.