The Wasp — 1914 — page 263: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains dialogue about a mysterious letter addressed to "Alexander Burnham, Esq., Royal Navy, Sloop-of-war *Tortor*." The characters Alexander, Scovil, and Burnham discuss the letter's origin—Scovil reveals The Wasp (an English privateer ship) threw a bottle overboard containing it. The satire likely references the historical HMS *Wasp* or a privateer vessel called *Wasp*. Burnham is agitated about receiving a sealed letter from this vessel, suggesting either a threat, challenge, or scandalous communication. The dramatic tension—Scovil's refusal to break the seal and Burnham's anxious reaction—implies the letter contains consequential information. Without seeing the letter's contents or additional context, the specific satirical target remains unclear, though it appears to mock naval intrigue or personal dispute.