The Last of Mr. Benjamin

An inquiry into the sinking of the steamship Hexaturn on the Yawn River brought forth a peculiar revelation. The testimony of a first-class passenger, Mrs. Alice Appleby, a diminutive woman of mature years, stirred interest. As she recounted her experience, a myriad of emotions played across her face, revealing memories she would rather forget.

The crowded corridor, with a distinct uphill angle, was a challenging path for Mrs. Appleby to navigate. Amid the commotion and confusion, the ship unexpectedly began to roll, catching many off guard. Lord Dobly, the examiner, was an imposing figure, donned in black robes, exuding magisterial elegance while conducting the inquiry.

When questioned about the exact time of the ship's capsizing, Mrs. Appleby, with a furrowing forehead, struggled to provide an accurate answer due to the chaotic nature of the situation. The darkness of the night and the mayhem made it difficult for anyone to recall precise moments.

Chief Steward William Tangle, a big and unsmiling man with curly red hair, recounted his experience during the tragic event. He vividly recalled being on the deck, witnessing the ominous fog approaching before the collision with Theodora. The haunting sound of Theodora's whistle signaled their impending doom.

Amid the chaos, the crew struggled to manage the situation. Curiously, Mr. Benjamin, a mysterious figure known for his long legs and green frock coat, seemed oddly focused on reaching the saloon amidst the unfolding disaster.

Stoker Reg Cahill, the sole survivor from the engine room, gave a gripping account of the tragedy. He described the moment of impact and the ensuing chaos, where he barely escaped with his life. However, it was his encounter with Mr. Benjamin that raised eyebrows.

According to Cahill, Mr. Benjamin was acting strangely, smearing grease on himself and speaking in an unknown language. The oddity of the situation perplexed everyone present. Moreover, accounts from various witnesses contradicted each other, leaving Mr. Benjamin's fate and actions shrouded in mystery.

Mrs. Appleby recalled a peculiar interaction with Mr. Benjamin before the ship was enveloped in fog. His strange behavior and cryptic words left her puzzled and intrigued. She attempted to engage him in conversation, but he remained elusive, leaving her with more questions than answers.

Despite the inquiry's thorough examination, the fate of Mr. Benjamin remained uncertain. The photograph, taken after the inquiry, captured the enigmatic man among the officials and witnesses. Yet, he remained an enigma, a man of secrets lost to the depths of the Yawn River.

As the days passed after the inquiry, the tale of Mr. Benjamin became a topic of intrigue among those involved. The clerk of the court, surrounded by dusty red ribboned papers, had a framed photograph capturing the peculiar man on that fateful day. He would show it to anyone curious enough to inquire about the enigmatic figure. However, very few took interest, and those who did were unsure whether to believe the accounts or dismiss them as mere hearsay.

Mrs. Alice Appleby, in a post-disaster interview, shared her encounter with Mr. Benjamin at the Captain's Table. As the fog shrouded the ship, she noticed an increasing unease in him. Peering out the dining room windows, he seemed anxious as the fog thickened. Mrs. Appleby attempted to ease his worries, but he responded enigmatically, saying, "Come, Mrs. Appleby, it is only fog," or something to that effect.

The conversation took a strange turn when Mr. Benjamin offered to demonstrate a parlor trick involving his pocket watch. Coating it with butter, he used peculiar gestures and incantations. In an instant, the watch vanished, leaving behind only a smear of butter on the tablecloth. This bizarre occurrence left Mrs. Appleby bewildered and pondering the true nature of Mr. Benjamin.

Meanwhile, the engine room survivor, Stoker Reg Cahill, clung to his vivid memories of the tragedy. His encounter with Mr. Benjamin atop the access ladder in the engine room continued to haunt him. The man's strange behavior, covered in grease, muttering incomprehensible words, remained an unsolvable puzzle. The stoker firmly stood by his account, even when faced with doubts from the court.

The inquiry's open verdict and lack of concrete evidence added to the mystery surrounding Mr. Benjamin's disappearance. Some believed he met a tragic end, while others speculated that he had orchestrated his vanishing act. Regardless, his absence from the list of recovered bodies only deepened the enigma surrounding him.

As for the Hexaturn disaster, it served as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable forces that governed the vast waters. The lost souls, including Mr. Benjamin, were remembered and honored by those who survived. Their stories, forever etched in the annals of maritime history, kept the intrigue alive.

However, the truth about Mr. Benjamin, the trickster with an enigmatic presence, remained elusive. Despite all the inquiries, testimonies, and theories, his ultimate fate and intentions would forever remain hidden in the murky depths of the Yawn River.