The Wasp — 1914 — page 31: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains dialogue between James Burnham (a passenger) and a shipmaster, discussing a pirate ship they've encountered. Burnham expresses excitement about seeing "the first pirate ship" he's observed, claiming he enjoys combat. The shipmaster responds with skepticism and moral criticism, suggesting Burnham looks dangerously fierce—"as wicked as any red pirate"—and argues he's wasting his talents as a merchant, saying he should instead fight for his king. The satirical point appears to be social commentary on merchant class ambitions and martial virtue. Without additional context about Burnham's identity, it's unclear whether he's a specific public figure being mocked or a representative type. The exchange critiques either misplaced aggression in commerce or questions about duty and patriotism among businessmen.