Capt. Stephenson was called to Mr Dormer's office and given instructions to carry a box containing �4,000 in gold from Beccles to Great Yarmouth. The owner's daughter was to travel as a passenger called Millicent. This was seen as a safe route by river rather than that by road.
As instructed the barge set off for Great Yarmouth. During the journey the money proved too much of a temptation for Capt. Stephenson and he decided to alter course for a dutch port. He told the crew of four his plan in the hope of obtaining their co-operation but they were very loyal to their employer and refused. A fight broke out and one of the crew was killed and his body dumped in the water. It was agreed to continue to alter course. During the night the captain went to Millicent and screams were heard, she was bleeding from a wound in the neck, she grabbed a knife and stabbed the captain in the heart and then died herself from her injuries. The only surviving crew member managed to use a dinghy and get to Plymouth.
Three years after that the phantom of the Mayfly was seen sailing on Oulton Broad a phenomenon that was to be repeated annually for many years afterwards and can still be seen occasionally today.
