uh this text written in collaboration with kells elvins in 1938 commemorates the first appearance with dr benway its called um twilights last gleamings yep ss america off jersey coast ladies and gentlemen there is no cause for alarm we have a minor problem in the boiler room but everything is now under the sound effects of a nuclear blast explosion splits the boat dr benway ship s doctor drunkenly added two inches to a four inch incision with one stroke of his scalpel perhaps the appendix is already out doctor the nurse said appearing dubiously over his shoulder i saw a little scar the appendix already out i m taking the appendix out what do you think i m doing here perhaps the appendix is on the left side doctor that happens sometimes you know stop breathing down my neck i m coming to that don t you think i know where an appendix is i studied appendectomy in nineteen four at harvard he lifts the abdominal wall and searches along the incision dropping ashes from his cigarette get me a new scalpel this one s got no edge to it he thrusts a red fist at her the doctor reels back and flattens against the wall a bloody scalpel clutched in one hand the patient slides off the operating table spilling intestines across the floor dr benway sweeps instruments cocaine and morphine into his satchel sew her up i can t be expected to work under such conditions by the dawn s early light dr benway pushed through a crowd at the rail and boarded the first flight out are you alright he said seating himself amongst the women i m the doctor thank you