Judge #1203

In "Nervy Nat and the Infernal Machine," the ever-worried Nervy Nat is tasked with guarding a suitcase—only to spiral into panic when he hears strange noises inside, convinced he’s guarding a ticking bomb. Written and illustrated by James Montgomery Flagg, this 1904 installment delivers a classic early comic caper with a twist that’s as surprising as it is delightfully simple. The cover, by Victor Gillam, captures the moment of peak suspense with a sharp, expressive style that perfectly matches the story’s tone.