August, 1871

Tuesday, 1 August: Sir Cosmo presents Mr Salmalin with an important document. In the evening, the League attends an exhibit hosted by the Linnean Society and the Royal Society at Burlington House. Various odd things happen. Sir Spencer takes Prince Lukas of Florin out on the town. Mr O'Flaherty gets a boxing match. Edward flies. Inspector MacGreggor catches a very elusive rope. A warehouse burns. A dirigible goes down in flames.

Wednesday, 2 August: The Globe carries a story claiming that a Temperance Group raided an unlicensed public house in Bermondsey, chasing out the customers and burning the "sinful house" to the ground. The Daily Telegraph carries a similar story, though it also mentions several sightings of the American Outlaw, Kid Rocket (and notes that Kid Rocket is a vocal advocate for the temperance cause). The Telegraph also carries a story about an alleged abduction of Prince Lukas of Florin, which appears to be a false report, according to quotations from Insp. Bradstreet, a spokesman for the Dutch Embassy, and the Prince himself. The Morning Post carries the story about the false report of an abduction of Prince Lucas, and also carries a story about several sightings of a flying object over Rotherhithe and the West India Docks.

Thursday, 3 August: The Morning Post carries a story of strange activities in the Plumstead Marshes (east of the City), including a possible sighting of the American Outlaw, Kid Rocket. The Daily Telegraph reports that the Admiralty has convened an inquiry to investigate claims from the Kingdom of the Netherlands concerning the actions of the crew of HMS Griffen in the Cape Verde Islands last year. Meanwhile, in the Half-Penny Marvel Library may be found chapter eight of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Crown Jewel." And the Weekly Companion contains chapter five of "Kid Rocket and the Vanishing Railway."

Saturday, 5 August: The Daily Telegraph carries a story (buried rather deep) about a rumour of hoof-and-mouth disease at a Surrey farm. Police and county officials were present at the farm, but Constables turned all reporters away at the gate. No official would deny that there have been large bonfires visible for miles the previous evening on the property.

Sunday, 6 August: several London papers have picked up the story of rumors of hoof and mouth disease at a particular Surrey farm. According to the papers, a riot was only avoided when a respected local veterinarian addressed the crowd and assured them that no sign of the illness had been found, yet, but that the farm would remain under quarantine until every animal was examined. A few papers carry stories about the 91-round exhibition boxing match between Mr Seamus O'Flaherty and Mr Jimmy Maws, in Kent, on Saturday evening in which Mr O'Flaherty won by knockout.

Monday, 7 August: all of the London papers carry stories about the arrest of Mr Niall Malloy, an owner of a number of disreputable businesses, and the owner of the Surry farm about which several stories have recently appeared. Charges have not yet been filed, but an unnamed official confirmed that receiving stolen goods and trafficking in contraband were among the crimes under investigation. Buried much deeper in the papers are reports of an accident at the shipyard of the BC & R Powered Boat Company. At least one worker is confirmed dead. The accident is under investigation, but a Police Sargeant at the scene said there had been an explosion and there was evidence of arsen. Police would not comment on the identity of a man several neighbors reported had been seen being taken from the premises in shackles. The Evening Standard carries the story of the arrest of a Mr Philip Norrington (and several sailors in his employ) in the port of Gravesend on Sunday night, owner of a merchant ship and said to be head of a suspected smuggling ring. The League is asked to go to Portsmouth to search some ships for signs of sabotage.

Tuesday, 8 August: The Pink 'Un (The Sporting News) carries an extensive story of the exhibition bout between Mr Seamus O'Flaherty and Mr Jimmy Maws, including many superlatives about the technique, endurance, and strength of the two participants. Most of Sir Cosmo's and Sir Spencer's households travel to Portsmouth and begin examining ships. One saboteur and a bomb are found.

Wednesday, 9 August: The League spends another day searching ships and interviewing crew. The League takes the last train back to London.

Thursday, 10 August: The Weekly Companion publishes chapter six of "Kid Rocket and the Vanishing Railway." While over in the pages of the Half-penny Marvel Library, in chapter nine of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Crown Jewel."

Sunday, 13 August: The Times carries a special report by Laurence Oliphant describing the pagentry and excitement in Naples, as a "nation prepares to celebrate what may well be the wedding of the century."

Tuesday, 15 August: In Naples, the Imperial Prince of France marries the Princess Royal of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies. In London, Parliament recesses for the season. The French Embassy Ball that evening is attended by many notables.

Wednesday, 16 August: In the wee small hours of the morning, Her Majesty's Yacht, Alberta carrying the party of the Duchess of Inverness who will represent the royal family at the Paris nuptuals of the Imperial Prince Louis Napoleon, leaves London, escorted by HMS Rhinoceros, under the command of Lt the Hon. Henry Wooster. At the mouth of the Thames, the royal passengers transfer to Her Majesty's Yacht Osbourne and, escorted now by HMS Conqueror, HMS Quell, HMS Rhinoceros, crosses the Channel. Meanwhile, various conversations occur between members of the League and their friends. In the afternoon, over tea, Sir Cosmo talks about how entertaining it is to listen to one of Lord Greyminster's rants when one is not the subject of his displeasure. Meanwhile, the society pages are full of descriptions of the French Embassy Ball. The Globe lists the names of all of those honoured at the Ball with the commemorative medallion for "service to justice, peace, and civilization." The papers also include articles on the wedding in Naples.

Thursday, 17 August: Sir Cosmo and Miss Wilhelmina travel to a sanitarium in Surry to visit a patient. Wilhelmina brings home a copy of the North Surry Observer (a weekly paper, not to be confused with the daily London Observer), which carries a story by Mr Ronald Fingleton asserting that "nearly all that is criminal and much that is evil in the dark underclass of London" is under the control of a child who has taken over the gang of the notorious (deceased) Mr Jerrold Moriarty. Lady Cowperthwaite goes gun shopping. Mr James Whitnell visits his sister for tea. Miss Helen Shorrock composes a reply. The Half-penny Marvel Library publishes chapter ten of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Crown Jewel." In the Weekly Companion one finds chapter eight of "Kid Rocket and the Vanishing Railway."

Friday, 18 August: the Evening Standard publishes a report that the Privy Council met at Marlborough House, in Westminster (rather than at either Windsor or Buckingham Palace), with the Prince of Wales presiding. This was the first intimation in the press that the Queen has left the country. Most members of the Cowperthwaite and Cuthbert households leave London (traveling with the Misses Shorrock) to retire to Edenfield Court, in Lancashire.

Saturday, 19 August: Various London papers are full of editorials either appalled or approving of the government's decision to keep the Queen's state visit a secret. In news stories several officials in the Foreign Office are quoted. When questioned about their earlier statements, the officials re-iterate that Her Majesty is not attending the (Roman Catholic) wedding of the Imperial Prince of France to the Princess Royal of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies--only her aunt, the Duchess of Inverness, will represent the family as previously stated. Her Majesty (attended by her Foreign Minster, the Duke of Balmoral) will be having several official state meetings while in Paris, to conclude certain agreements with "our Continental Allies."

Sunday, 20 August: The Times carries an extensive story by Laurence Oliphant describing the royal marriage ceremony in Naples, including descriptions of several of the gala receptions.

Monday, 21 August: The trial of one Philip Norrington on charges of smuggling, conspiracy, and high treason begins with the testimony of Inspector Simon MacGreggor, who explains how the merchant ship owned by Norrington was found to be connected to an elaborate criminal conspiracy which included the Comte de Montelimar and Mr Niall Malloy. Meanwhile, in Lancashire, Lady Cowperthwaite begins taking rifle shooting lessons from Sir Spencer.

Tuesday, 22 August: In London, a second full day of testimony by Inspector MacGreggor in the Norrington trial. The London papers are filled with the lurid details of the conspiracy throughout the duration of the trial. In Paris, the second marriage ceremony of the Imperial Prince to the Princess Royal of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies is attended by many notables. Mrs Sinclair, who accompanied the household to Edenfield "to help out with the babies" departs for Bridgewater.

Wednesday, 23 August: As the sensational trial of Philip Norrington continues, in another courtroom Mr Niall Malloy pleads guilty to charges of receiving stolen goods, kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, blackmail, trafficking in contraband, operating an unlicensed public house, and extortion. He adamantly pleads not guilty to high treason. A trial date on the treason charge is not set, as Mr Malloy has agreed to testify in the Norrington trial. Sir Cosmo writes an apologetic letter to Insp. MacGreggor.

Thursday, 24 August: The Weekly Companion contains chapter nine of "Kid Rocket and the Vanishing Railway." The Half-Penny Marvel Library, on the other hand, publishes the tenth chapter of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Crown Jewel."

Friday, 25 August: The Daily Telegraph and the Times both carry stories about the allegedly scandalous behaviour of an unnamed British officer at one of the gala receptions honouring the imperial wedding. Insp. MacGreggor writes a reply to Sir Cosmo. Meanwhile, Edward's experiments with salt crystal yields a small explosion.

Saturday, 26 August: Many London papers carry more detailed stories of the scandalous attentions paid to a daughter of the reigning Duke of Modena by Lt. The Hon. Henry Wooster, commander of one of the ships which escorted the Queen's yacht on the state visit. The Duke and Duchess of Modena have demanded an apology, and unnamed sources say the incident has endangered a treaty between the United Kingdom and Modena. The Morning Post and the Times report that, the Prince and Princess of Wales' household having retired to Sandringham House, in Norfolk, the Prime Minister and other cabinet members have gone to Sandringham to brief His Highness on the particulars of the situation in Paris. Almost unnoticed, the papers also carry stories about the testimony of Mr Niall Malloy in the trail of Mr Philip Norrington. In Edenfield, Mrs Salmalin receives a letter from her cousin, Mrs Russell.

Sunday, 27 August: The London Times contains a detailed story of the some of the international implications of the scandal in Paris. The reigning Duke of Modena, Francis V, is a descendant, on his mother's side, of King James II of England, and is called by Jacobite factions "the rightful King of England." Relations between the United Kingdom and Modena have been strained for nearly two decades in part because of this. One purpose of the state visit was to seal a rapprochment between the two countries, which has now been endangered. Further, the young lady in question, Isabella, nobila et de Duca Modena, donna of Reggio and Mirandola, donna of Massa, donna of Carrara and Lunigiana, was to be betrothed to her cousin, Ferdinand Karl, son and heir of the neighboring Grand Duchy of Tuscany, which was supposed to settle the succession situation and lead to the eventual merger of Modena and Tuscany. Ferdinand Karl, the papers report, attempted to challenge Lt. The Hon. Henry Wooster to a duel. According to the article apologies have been delivered, and the lieutenant has been confined to quarters by Commodore Sefton pending the conclusion of investigations.

Monday, 28 August: Summer bank holiday. Mr & Mrs Salmalin depart Edenfield for West Darlston. The Pall Mall Gazette includes an illustrated story of the grouse hunting season. The article mentions the hunting at the lodges of several prominent persons, including the Earl of Carston who has a lodge near Loch Leven, Scotland. Names mentioned as hunting with the Earl are: the Earl of Emsworth, Baron Stockheath, Lord Dreever, and Prince Lucas of Florin.

Tuesday, 29 August: The Morning Standard reports that the Wooster Scandal has been resolved, as it was discovered that the dowager Archduchess of Tuscany, who is grandmother to both Ferdinand Karl and Isabella, was actually present at all times that Lt. Wooster and Isabella of Modena were together, and that nothing inappropriate occurred. Although certain inappropriate gifts were delivered to Isabella subsequent to the meeting, they appeared to be the product of a misunderstanding. In West Darlston, Mr & Mrs Salmalin have dinner with Major Elliot and Mrs Russell.

Wednesday, 30 August: A passing comment from Mrs Sharps, the housekeeper, is Mrs Frazer's first warning that her sister and brother-in-law will be visiting Edenfield Court that weekend. While in West Darlston, Mrs Salmalin visits Mrs Dobson.

Thursday, 31 August: The Morning Post, the Times, and the Standard all report the announcement of a new agreement between the United Kingdom and the Duchy of Modena. The agreement appears to be a vague promise to "agree to certain measures." According to editorials, the primary importance is that Francis V, Duke of Modena and according to the adherents of the Jacobit cause, rightful heir to the British Throne, has signed a document with Queen Victoria, tacitly distancing himself from the Jaccobites. The British government will reopen its Embassy to Modena as a thawing of relations that have been cool for two decades. The Weekly Companion publishes the tenth and final chapter of "Kid Rocket and the Vanishing Railway." Somewhat less complicated is the eleventh chapter of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Crown Jewel" over in the Half-penny Marvel Library.

September 1871

Friday, 1 September: The Times, Morning Standard, and Daily Telegraph all carry reports of the death of Louise Adolphe Theirs, who had been Prime Minister of France under King Louse-Philippe and was most recently the leader of the anti-Imperialist party (one of the smallest parties currently in the French National Assembly). In Edenfield, the old engine and boiler recently removed from Sir Cosmo's yacht is delivered to Edward's workshop. Mr and Mrs Edward Morris (sister and brother-in-law of Mrs Frazer) arrive at Edenfield Court. Mr O'Flaherty is visited by three representatives of the Benevolent Society for the Promotion of Pugilism: Viscount Wickhammersly, Sir Reginald Garland, and Mr Everard Wedge.

Saturday, 2 September: The Salmalins journey to London.

Sunday, 3 September: Mr Salmalin returns to Edenfield.

Monday, 4 September: In the trial of Mr Philip Norrington the jury returns verdicts of Guilty on charges of smuggling, conspiracy, and high treason. At the request of the Lord Chancellor, sentencing is postponed until the trials of other involved persons have concluded, as Mr Norrington's evidence may be needed there. Sir Cosmo (accompanied by Edward, Miss Bertilde, and Mrs Frazer) go to London.

Tuesday, 5 September: The Standard, the Globe, the Morning Post, and the Times all carry stories about a new international agreement announced in Paris. Signed by Emperor Napoleon III of France, Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria (also signing as the King of Lombardy and Venetia), Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, King Victor Emmanuel II of Piedmont, Savoy, and Sardinia, King Francis II of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies, Grand Duke Ferdinand IV of Tuscany, Duke Roberto I of Parma, and Duke Francis V of Modena, the Pennisular Peace Accord pledges all signatories to support the stability, peace, and security of the Italian Pennisula and neighboring waters.

Wednesday, 6 September: The trial of Mr Niall Malloy on the charge of high treason begins. The prosecution calls three witnesses: Inspector MacGreggor, Mr Benton Frazer (Senior Evidence Clerk), and Mr Philip Norrington. On cross examination, the two members of the police force readily agree that it is quite possible that Mr Malloy had no idea when he engaged in certain criminal activities with Mr Norrington and the deceased Comte de Montelimar that the ultimate aim of their plots was to destroy the Royal Yacht while members of the Royal Family and the government cabinet were aboard. Meanwhile, editorials in the Echo and Observer are critical of the Pennisular Peace Accord as dealing with matters outside the interest of Britain, which may obligate the government in the future to become involved in troubles in the Papal States. The Times and Evening Standard both carry stories quoting the Prime Minister, Lord Bellinger, asserting that political stability in that region is in the interest of all civilized nations, placing the treaty in the category of numerous other agreements in which the great powers guarantee the neutrality of smaller powers. Meanwhile, Miss Bertilde receives a confusing letter from Lt. Wooster.

Thursday, 7 September: In London, Lt. Bartholomew "Barmy" Phipps delivers a commemoration to Miss Bertilde. The Times, Globe, and Standard all report the passage of a law excluding Jesuit institutions from owning porperty or controlling schools in Bavaria. The Evening Standard quotes Minister-President Baron Friedrich von Hegnenberg-Dux explaining the measure is part of a program attempting to protect the freedom of those congregations which have chosen to join the Utretcht Union of Chuches and reject the new dogma of papal infallibility. The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes the exciting twelfth chapter of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Crown Jewel."

Friday, 8 September: it is reported in many papers that the Queen has returned to England, Her Majesty's Yacht having proceeded directly to Osbourne House, her home on the Isle of Wight. Elsewhere, Sir Cosmo and party take a train from London to Edenfield. Later, the evening papers carry stories about Mr Niall Malloy taking the stand in his own defense. He is widely quoted, as he made a rather impassioned plea. "I've done many terrible things, and I agree I probably deserve to hang for many of them. Hang me then, and you may write on my tombstone that I was a thief, a liar, and far worse. But I am not a traitor!"

Monday, 11 September: Sir Cosmo (and those accompanying him) returns to London. The Pall Mall Gazette features an illustrated story of the hunting party of the Prince of Wales, on the grounds of his Norfolk estate, Sandringham House. Among notables mentioned in attendance are the Earl of Kimberly, Baron Silverbridge, and Prince Lukas of Florin.

Tuesday, 12 September: In the trial of Niall Malloy, the jury returns a verdict of not guilty on the charge of high treason. Mr Malloy is held in custody, as he has already pled guilty to other crimes, and is still giving evidence against others. Sir Cosmo packs a crate to ship to Commandant von Wymms.

Wednesday, 13 September: Lt. Wooster, recently relieved of command and placed on half-pay, arrives at Edenfield Court, intending to help Sir Spencer with his yacht shopping. The Evening Standard publishes its final story on the Wooster Scandal, noting that after an administrative hearing conducted by Vice Admiral William Moriarty, that Lt. the Hon. Henry Wooster has been relieved of his command and duties, but will not face Court Martial.

Thursday, 14 September: The society page of the Morning Herald notes that Mr James Moriarty, second son of Vice Admiral William Moriaty, CB, has been named the Fosdyke Lecturer in Mathematics at Bracton College, Somersetshire. The Weekly Companion's cover is emblazoned with the title of a new serial, "Gentleman Jimmy versus the Zephyr Bandit!" Meanwhile, over in the Half-Penny Marvel Library, a short story entitled "Billy Callahan and the Stowaway Theif." Wilhelmina receives a reply from the Vicomte de Molineaus

Friday, 15 September: Lady Cowperthwaite, Mrs Cuthbert, and others from Edenfield join Sir Cosmo in London in order to attend the christening.

Sunday, 17 September: Robert and Caroline Frazer are christened.

Tuesday, 19 September: Mr James Whitnell visits his sister and informs her that he has taken a fellowship at the University of Glasgow. Sir Cosmo, Wilhelmina, George, and Miss Bertilde visit the French Embassy.

Thursday, 21 September: The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter one of "Inspector Kemp and the Royal Heir." Meanwhile, in the Weekly Companion one finds chapter two of "Gentleman Jimmy versus the Zephyr Bandit!"

Friday, 22 September: Sir Cosmo's household, plus Mr Frazer, return to Edenfield. The Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society publishes a short article by Rev. Weatherby Summerfield entitled, "Some questions concerning Moriarty's 'Divisors of Central Binomial Coefficients."

Monday, 25 September: Sir Cosmo and party return to London.

Wednesday, 27 September: Mr Philip Norrington is sentenced to hang, along with fourteen other persons who had been involved in the plot to place a bomb in the royal yacht. The newspapers will mention in passing a crewmember of the yacht who took his own life earlier in the month before he could face a court martial. Elsewhere, Sir Cosmo attends a board meeting. Mr James Whitnell arrives in Glasgow to prepare for his first term as a Fellow in Natural Science.

Thursday, 28 September: Mr Niall Malloy is sentenced to hang. Several of the papers mention that there was a commotion in the court at the sentence. Only the Globe tells the full story of Malloy going berserk, screaming at the judge and other officers of the court that he had a deal. He seemed to believe he had been promised transportation to Australia in exchange for his guilty pleas. The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter two of "Inspector Kemp and the Royal Heir." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes the third chapter of "Gentleman Jimmy and the Zephyr Bandit!"

Friday, 29 September: Mr Philip Norrington and his co-conspirators are put to death. Elsewhere, Sir Cosmo and party return to Edenfield.

Saturday, 30 September: Sir Cosmo, Lady Cowperthwaite (and others) go into Liverpool to inspect the repairs on their Yacht, Selene. Elsewhere, Insp. MacGreggor leaves London, bound for Oxfordshire, to spend a week with his family.

October 1871

Sunday, 1 October: The Times publishes an interview of Mr Niall Malloy by Laurence Oliphant. The story paints a picture on a criminal world that is far from organized--but rather a large number of petty criminals struggling to survive, some of them organized into very loose gangs based more on familial or ethnic ties than business purposes. The metaphor of warring barbaric tribes appears several times. Meanwhile, Mr & Mrs Frazer (and the babies and Violet) travel to Bridgewater, Somersetshire, to visit her family.

Monday, 2 October: Mrs Salmalin returns to London. Sir Cosmo remains in Edenfield, as preparations for the impending cruise will take up increasing amounts of time.

Tuesday, 3 October: Michaelmas (autumn) Term begins at University of Glasgow and at Cambridge.

Wednesday, 4 October: The Daily News publishes excerpts from a stirring speech about the evils of drink and the lack of legal standards in the Licensing Sessions Courts delivered by Member of Parliament, William Gladstone, to the Chiswick Temperance Union.

Thursday, 5 October: The North Surrey Observer (the weekly paper printed in rural county of Surrey, south and west of London proper) carries a story by Ronald Fingleton proporting to be the final interview with the notorious Niall Malloy. In the interview, Mr Malloy makes numerous references to promises he received from a government official, whom he refers to as Sir Phillip, assuring him that if he cooperating in the trials of Mr Norrington and the co-conspirators, that he would not face the gallows for the charges of kidnapping and grevious physical harm. The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes the conclusion of "Inspector Kemp and the Royal Heir." While over in the pages of the Weekly Companion, one finds the fourth exciting chapter of "Gentleman Jimmy and the Zephyr Bandit."

Friday, 6 October: Mrs Salmalin remains in London to see the premiere of Nigel's play.

Saturday, 7 October: "A Royal Engagment, or a Princess goes to Sea," a comedy by Mr Nigel Graham and Mr N. Templeton opens at the Royal Gallery of Illustration. Mr & Mrs Frazer travel from Bridgewater to London.

Sunday, 8 October: Insp. MacGreggor takes a train from Uffington, Oxfordshire, to Edenfield, Lancashire, and checks into the inn at Ramsbottom.

Monday, 9 October: The Globe carries a favourable review of the new play by Misters Graham and Templeton, finding the performance of Mr Rupert Pryce as the wronged Crown Prince particularly moving, though it is the comic stylings of Mr Adam Whitely as the idiotic Lieutenant Whiffle that steals the show. The Daily Telegraph's reviewer took a dimmer view of the play, thinking that perhaps a recent national embarassment is not the proper material for a musical comedy. Meanwhile, Mrs Frazer, Mrs Salmalin (and the babies and Violet), return to Edenfield. Nearby, Insp. MacGreggor calls on the Shorrocks. The Daily Telegraph publishes extensive excerpts from a speech William Gladstone delivered on Saturday evening at the Rotherhithe Temperance Hall concerning the licensing of public houses.

Tuesday, 10 October: Wooster (who has been shuttling around the country with Sir Spencer, looking at boats), returns to Edenfield. He attempts to talk to Miss Bertilde. Miss Bertilde slaps him. While in London, several papers carry stories of the departure from London of the new Ambassador to the Duchy of Modena, the Earl of Blackwater, and that the Ambassador is being conducted to his new posting aboard HMS Rhinoceros, under the command of Capt. Michael Trevelyan.

Wednesday, 11 October: Insp. MacGreggor calls on Sir Cosmo.

Thursday, 12 October: The cover of the Half-Penny Marvel Library features a drawing of Atlas O'Flaherty standing heroically in the prow of a ship, under the title "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Phantom Buccaneer." Inside one finds the first thrilling chapter. Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter five of "Gentleman Jimmy and the Zephyr Bandit."

Friday, 13 October: The Standard, the Daily News, the Daily Telegraph, and the Times all report the murder of John Coleridge Patteson, Anglican Bishop of Melanesia, on the island of Nukapu. The murder occurred in late September, but confirmation of the incident has only recently reached London. According to the papers, Lord Kimberley, Secretary of State for the Colonies, personally delivered a report of the incident to the Archbishop of Canterbury. According to the official statement, Patteson had been travelling from island to island aboard the missionary ship, Southern Cross, attempting to convert the natives and recruit young men for a missionary college on Norfolk Island. Initial reports indicate that the inhabitants of the island believed that the missionary ship was associated with the slave ships which often raided the islands. In Edenfield, Mr Elijah Balderstoke hosts a country dance for the entire parish. Insp. MacGreggor is in attendance, as are the Shorrocks and most of the Cowperthwaite household.

Saturday, 14 October: The Cowperthwaite and Cuthbert households leave Lancashire and begin an ocean cruise to the Gold Coast of Africa. Back in Edenfield, Insp. MacGreggor and Miss Helen Shorrock have a conversation.

Sunday, 15 October: Special to the Times by Laurence Oliphant about the life and mission of John Coleridge Patteson, Anglican Bishop of Melanesia, recently murdered on a polynesian island, with details of the south seas slave trade. Over the next several weeks other papers take up the topic of the slave trade still active in many parts of the world.

Monday, 16 October: The Daily News publishes extensive excerpts from a speech on the evils of drink and the licensing of public houses given by William Gladstone at the Croydon Temperance Hall on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph publishes an interview of Gladstone upon the same topic.

Wednesday, 18 October: Charles Babbage, Fellow of the Royal Society, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society, winner of the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, is found dead in his workshop in Teignmouth, Devonshire. The Times is the only paper which carries an obituary, which focuses primarily on his mental decline during the last decades of his life (he published several pamphlets attributing rising crime rates to music, particularly the music of brass bands, which he believed drove men mad and would lead to the downfall of civilization).

Thursday, 19 October: In the Weekly Companion one finds the final chapter of "Gentlemen Jimmy and the Zephyr Bandit." Meanwhile, in the Half-penny Marvel Library, chapter two of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Phantom Buccaneer."

Friday, 20 October: The Daily Telegraph publishes excerpts from a speech by William Gladstone on the evils of drink and the licensing of public house to the Beaconsfield Temperance Union on Thursday evening.

Sunday, 22 October, 1871: Insp. MacGreggor returns to London.

Thursday, 26 October, 1871: The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes the third chapter of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Phantom Buccaneer." Meanwhile, over in the Weekly Companion, there is an advertisement for an upcoming serial, "Kid Rocket and the Haunted Mine."

Friday 27 October, 1871: Several London papers carry small articles about a "royal gala" in Frohsdorf, Austria honouring the Comte de Chambard, Duc de Bordeaux "rightful King Henri V of France and Navarre" who has relocated his government-in-exile to Austria.

Saturday, 28 October: all the London papers carry stories about the suppression by the British Army of yet another "diggers rebellion" on the Vaal River in the Cape Colony.

Sunday, 29 October: The Cowperthwaite and Cuthbert households come into port at Fort Charles on the Gold Coast near the mouth of the Ankobra River. Sir Cosmo finds a telegram awaiting him from Mr. Ichabod Balderstoke, telling of the death of Charles Babbage. Sir Cosmo is noticably saddened by the news.

Monday, 30 October: The Times, the Observer, and the Evening Standard reprint stories from American papers about the arrest earlier this week of the corrupt New York political boss (and state senator), William M. Tweed--along with various co-conspirators, including New York Mayor A. Oakley Hall--on charges of theft and misappropriation of public funds. At Fort Charles, Gold Coast, Lt. Wooster is somewhat surprised to discover that his brother, Willoughby Wooster, who works for the Colonial Service, is stationed at the bustling port of Cape Coast.

Tuesday, 31 October: the Cowperthwaite and Cuthbert households begin the journey inland with a goal to inspect Sir Spencer's mines, while camping and safari-ing along the way. At dinner Wilhelmina's birthday is celebrated.

November 1871

Wednesday, 1 November: parish churches throughout England hold Commemoration Services for Bishop Patteson and all missionaries who have given their lives in the service of the ministry of the Church.

Thursday, 2 November: The Half-Penny Marvel Library features chapter four of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Phantom Buccaneer." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes the first chapter of "Kid Rocket and the Haunted Mine."

Friday, 3 November: Inspector MacGreggor catches an evening train to Edenfield, Lancashire.

Saturday, 4 November: At Edenfield, the Harvest Festival/Parish Fete, at the evening dance, Mr Nathan Shorrock announces the engagement of his daughter, Miss Helen Shorrock, to Inspector Simon MacGreggor.

Sunday, 5 November: Guy Fawkes Day.

Monday, 6 November: Several London papers carry stories of about statements issued by Engels and Marx concerning the Working Mens Congress convened the week before in the city of Pisa. According to local reports, the Congress adopted several anti-monarchal statements. Engels asserts that the Congress was strongly infavour of the enfranchisement of working men, rather than opposing any specific institution. Marx is slightly less circumspect, pointing out that few of the monarchies in the Italian pennisula incorporate the democratic values of more enlightened societies.

Tuesday, 7 November: Several London papers publish excerpts from a speech given in the Northern German Confederation parliament by August Ferdinand Bebel, leader of the Social Democratic Workers' Party, decrying the size of expenditures on the army, and attempting to introduce a bill that would bind all member states to answer to representative institutions.

Wednesday, 8 November: The Globe reports that an excommunicated cardinal, Johann Joseph Ignaz von Döllinger, has been ordained Archbishop of Munich and accepted the position of leader of Utrecht Union of Churches.

Thursday, 9 November: In the Half-Penny Marvel Library one finds the fifth chapter of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Phantom Buccaneer." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter two of "Kid Rocket and the Haunted Mine."

Tuesday, 14 November: The London Observer and the Daily News both report that papers in Cologne are reporting the arrest of August Ferdinand Bebel on charges of "preparation of High Treason."

Wednesday, 15 November: various London papers carry stories which seem to amount to mostly speculation about the supposed socialist plot against the King of Prussia.

Thursday, 16 November: Chapter six of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Phantom Buccaneer" is published in the Half-Penny Marvel Library. The third exciting chapter of "Kid Rocket and the Haunted Mine," is published in the Weekly Companion.

Friday, 17 November: Mr Nathon Shorrock, accompanied by his two sisters and his daughter, leave Edenfield by train, bound for Uffington, Oxfordshire, where they will be the guests of Mrs Rose MacGreggor. Inspector MacGreggor leaves London bound for Uffington. Several London papers carry excerpts from a speech given in the Prussian Parliament by Count Otto von Bismarck concerning the dangers of the international anarchist movement.

Sunday, 19 November: Insp. MacGreggor returns to London.

Tuesday, 21 November: Mrs Salmalin makes a discovery. The Morning News reports that William Stephenson, a messenger boy of ten years of age, was struck and killed by a mineral train at Carnforth (in northern Lancashire). The train was operated by the Furness and Midland Railway Company.

Wednesday, 22 November: The Daily News reports from it's Kingston, Jamaica office rumours of an insurrection in Spain's colony on the isle of Cuba.

Thursday, 23 November: The Cowperthwaite and Cuthbert parties return to the yachts, and set "sail" for the town of Cape Coast. In London, the Times, Daily News, and other London papers carry a statement from the Spanish ambassador denying rumours of unrest in Spain's carribean colonies. The Weekly Companion publishes the fourth chapter of "Kid Rocket and the Haunted Mine." While over in the Half-Penny Marvel Library one finds chapter seven of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Phantom Buccaneer."

Friday, 24 November: The Cowperthwaite and Cuthbert parties arrive in the much larger port city of Cape Coast. There they are the guests of Lt. Wooster's brother, Mr Willoughby Wooster, and Wooster's old classmate, Colonel Miles Fish. Meanwhile, Insp. MacGreggor leaves London for Uffington.

Saturday, 25 November: the Standard and the Times both carry stories from Berlin, Prussia, concerning the arrest by the Royal Police of a number of anarchists. A statement from Count Seigfried von Wymms, commandant of the Royal Police, indicates that this is related to the earlier arrest of Herr Bebel only in that Bebel had been made to look guilty of crimes of which he had no knowledge.

Sunday, 26 November: At Uffington's parish church, St. Mary's, the first reading of the banns for Miss Helen Shorrock and Insp. Simon MacGreggor. That evening, Insp. MacGreggor returns to London.

Monday, 27 November: Some members of the Cowperthwaite and Cuthbert parties test out the diving suits in the Cape Coast harbor.

Tuesday, 28 November: A coroner's jury finds that the engineer was not at fault in the death of a messenger boy who was struck and killed by a mineral train at Carnforth the previous week. The London Observer and the Morning News both carry small articles about a trial, in Berlin, Prussia, of August Frederiech Bebel, coming to an end shortly after the testimony of Count Seigfried von Wymms, and the request from the prosecutor that all charges be withdrawn. The judges agreed, though the charge of "insulting the royal person" is left standing. The Evening Standard reports a statement from the Spanish ambassador concerning six anarchists sentenced to death in the port city of Havanna, on the isle of Cuba, for unspecified "heinous crimes."

Wednesday, 29 November: The London Observer reports reports that the British war vessel, HMS Rosario, under command of Lt. George Markham, bombarded and burned at least three villages on the island of Nukapu, in "retaliation" for the murder of the Bishop of Melanesia. "Surely the martyred Bishop Patteson would not have approved of such an un-Christian reaction," says the accompanying editorial. The Evening Standard contains an icy retort to these claims, quoting the First Lord of the Admiralty that "while the facts of the case are still under investigation, rest assured that if the inquiry determines that anyone ordered such an attack as an act of punishment, that they shall be prosecuted to the full extent of military justice."

Thursday, 30 November: In the Weekly Companion one finds "Kid Rocket and the Haunted Mine," chapter five. And in the Half-Penny Marvel Library there is the eighth chapter of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Phantom Buccaneer."

December 1871

Friday, 1 December: The Cowperthwaite and Cuthbert parties leave Cape Coast harbour, bound for England. Michaelmas term ends at University of Glascow.

Saturday, 2 December: various London papers carry a story from Havanna, Cuba, of six medical students arrested and charged with desecrating a single grave in early November, being sentenced to death on 26 November, said sentence carried out by firing squad the following day.

Sunday, 3 December: The second reading of the banns in Uffington.

Tuesday, 5 December: Mr Nathan Shorrock returns to Edenfield.

Thursday, 7 December: The ninth chapter of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Phantom Buccaneer" is published in the Half-Penny Marvel Library. Meanwhile, in the Weekly Companion is found the sixth chapter of "Kid Rocket and the Haunted Mine."

Saturday, 9 December: "Pygmalion and Galatea," a play by W.S. Gilbert opens at the Haymarket Theatre. Meanwhile, Miss Helen Shorrock and her aunts arrive in Uffington.

Sunday, 10 December: The third reading of the banns in Uffington. The Standard reports that a gatekeeper was knocked down and killed by a goods train the previous day at Oxenholme station (In Cumbria, the Lake District). The train is operated by the London and Northwestern Railway (in which the B & C Great Locomotive Company owns a significant, but not controlling, interest).

Monday, 11 December: Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, a sequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, is published.

Wednesday, 13 December: The Misses Shorrock return to Edenfield, accompanied by Mrs Rose MacGreggor and two of her daughters.

Thursday, 14 December: In the Half-Penny Marvel Library, "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Phantom Buccaneer" chapter ten appears. While in the Weekly Companion one finds"Kid Rocket and the Haunted Mine" chapter seven.

Friday, 15 December: The Cowperthwaite and Cuthbert parties dock in Liverpool. The Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society includes a letter from Mr James Moriarty which answers the article by the Rev. Weatherby Summerfield published in the previous edition.

Saturday, 16 December: The Cowperthwaite and Cuthbert households unpack at Edenfield Court. There is a great deal of correspondence awaiting them. Among the correspondence are letters to Mrs Salmalin from her relatives including her brother, James. Also, Sir Cosmo has several urgent telegrams from London. Lt. Wooster has letters from both of his sisters. Insp. MacGreggor arrives in Edenfield.

Sunday, 17 December: Sir Cosmo heads into London. At Edenfield parish church, the first reading of the banns for Miss Helen Shorrock and Insp. Simon MacGreggor.

Monday, 18 December: Miss Bertilde brings a problem to Mrs Salmalin. Insp. MacGreggor returns to London.

Tuesday, 19 December: Sir Cosmo returns to Edenfield. He brings along with him Mrs Whitnell, Miss Betty Whitnell, Mr James Whitnell, and Miss Pinker.

Wednesday, 20 December: Miss Bertilde and Lt. Wooster have a conversation. The Morning Herald reports that a passenger, apparently trying to board a moving train, was killed at Oxenholme station. Meanwhile, Mr O'Flaherty meets the general membership of the Benevolent Society for the Promotion of Pugilism, at their headquarters in Upper Norwood.

Thursday, 21 December: Mrs Frazer (and the babies and Violet), along with Edward, Miss Bertilde, and George, return to London. In the Half-Penny Marvel Library one finds the spine-tingling tale "Dr Wilson and the Christmas Phantoms" by Mr Nigel Graham, which proports to be the true telling of the events of the previous Christmas which resulted in the former American Outlaw being investigated for the mysterious death of a writer. The story also bears the unusual distinction of claiming to be authorized by Dr Jebediah Wilson. Wilhelmina and Miss Bertilde visit Wonka's. Meanwhile, the Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes the eleventh chapter of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Phantom Buccaneer." While the Weekly Companion contains "The Ghost of Arnsworth Hall," in which Gentleman Jimmy and his friend Inspector McSweeny investigate mysterious goings on at a country estate recently purchased by Jimmy's uncle, Major Stanley. The magazine also includes the eighth chapter of "Kid Rocket and the Haunted Mine."

Friday, 22 December: Lt. Wooster arrives at Sudbury, Worcestershire, to be a guest in the home of his sister, Mrs Dahlia Travers.

Saturday, 23 December: Lord Greyminster arrives at Edenfield.

Sunday, 24 December: In Edenfield, the second reading of the banns. Lady Cowperthwaite hosts her first Christmas Party at Edenfield Court. In London, Edward picks up an order at Wonka's. Later, the Frazers, Edward, Miss Bertilde, and many, many, many others attend Mr Scrooge's Christmas Party. Attendees were delighted by the latest confectionary creation of Mr Willy Wonka on display at the party: a chocolate, gingerbread, and hard candy reproduction of Paris, with chocolate versions of Her Majesty's Yacht Osbourne, HMS Quell and HMS Rhinocerus docked on the Seine, while candy-floss aerofrigates circled above the exhibit. The candy cannon on the ships spouted real flame (and were pronounced quite delicious afterward by those who tried them). There were intricately molded and coloured marshmallow naval officers (For days afterward Edward talks about the candy clockwork).

Monday, 25 December: Christmas Day. In the wee small hours of the morning Edward Elf and his many assistants spread some Christmas Cheer. Wilhelmina winds up with two copies of "Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There."

Tuesday, 26 December: Boxing Day. "Thespis, or the Gods Grown Old," a musical play by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan opens at the Gaiety Theatre.

Wednesday, 27 December: Attendees of the play "A Royal Engagement, or a Princess goes to Sea" find available for sale along with other refreshments at the Royal Gallery of Illustration a new Wonka confection: very detailed and brightly colored marshmallow Lieutenants--based on one small segment of the exclusive candy exhibit created for the Mr Scrooge's annual Christmas party. Dubbed "Whiffles" in honour of the comedic lieutenant in the play, the candies prove very popular. Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite return to London.

Thursday, 28 December: Chapter nine of "Kid Rocket and the Haunted Mine," published in the Weekly Companion. While the exciting conclusion to "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Phantom Buccaneer" is published in the Half-Penny Marvel Library.

Friday, 29 December: Knock-off "Whiffles" can be found in certain London confectionary stores, though the quality of the knock-offs is clearly inferior to the Wonka originals. Sir Cosmo, Lady Cowperthwaite, Wilhelmina, and Emily leave London for Snodbury, Worcestershire, where they will be the guests of Mr and Mrs Travers.

Saturday, 30 December: Mrs Gregson calls on Mrs Cuthbert to inquire after her brother, Lt Wooster, and certain rumours about him. In the evening, Constable Gregson calls on Mrs Cuthbert & Co to warn them of his mother's plot to buy off Miss Bertilde.

Sunday, 31 December: The third reading of the banns at Edenfield parish church.

January 1872

Monday, 1 January: The Pall Mall Gazette carries a story with many illustrations of the Rt. Hon. Mr Ebeneezer Scrooge's Christmas party, including more than one illustration of the Wonka confections unveiled at the party.

Tuesday, 2 January: Dahlia Travers receives an urgent telegram from her brother, the Hon. George Wooster.

Wednesday, 3 January: The Times reports, from its Kingston, Jamaica office, that the steamer Osprey, while travelling from Caracas, Venezuela, recovered wreckage in the waters which have been identified as being from the American cargo ship, Brooklyn, which had failed to reach port in Florida after departing from Natal, Brazil. Meanwhile, Sir Cosmo, Lady Cowperthwaite, Wilhelmina, Miss Bertilde, Lt Wooster (and Caine, of course), and Mrs Travers arrive in London. Lt Wooster, Mr Caine, and Mrs Travers continue on to Canterbury. Meanwhile, Mr O'Flaherty and representatives of the Benevolent Society for the Promotion of Pugilism addresses a meeting of the Uttlesford Sporting Association, in Essex.

Thursday, 4 January: Sir Cosmo, Edward, and George leave Edenfield by train bound for Teignmouth, Devonshire. The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes Chapter one of "The Wizard of Ballistics," sort of an Atlas O'Flaherty story, but actually the origin of Dr Jeffers, the Wizard of Ballistics. The Weekly Companion publishes the tenth chapter of "Kid Rocket and the Haunted Mine."

Friday, 5 January: Mrs Salmalin receives a letter from Mr John Whitnell inviting her and Mr Salmalin to visit Whitnell house in February. Lt Wooster, Mr Caine, and Mrs Travers return from Canterbury. That afternoon, Lt Wooster and Miss Bertilde as married before the registrar in Westminster.

Saturday, 6 January: the Bombards find out that Wooster and Miss Bertilde have married--without giving any of them a chance to throw the appropriate Bachelor Dinner! Alas, this must wait as the newlyweds are hustled out of the city.

Sunday, 7 January: the Times carries a special report from Laurence Oliphant about the structure of the British army, with particular attention to the differences in experience and training between colonial units and home guard units.

Monday, 8 January: The Pall Mall Gazette carries a story with many illustrations of the celebration of the New Year by the Prince & Princess of Wales in Sandringham House, their home on the Norfolk coast.

Tuesday, 9 January: Sir Cosmo, Edward, and George leave Teignmouth and travel to London. In London, Mr Willoughby asks Sir Cosmo to review the last few issues of the Transactions of the Camden Society, in which Sir Matthew Whemple and Sir Robert Plank carry out a debate (in the correspondence columns) about Atlantis, Egypt, and the Lost Tribes of Isreal--with occasional references to the ruins at St. Damien Island. Hilary term begins at Glascow and Cambridge

Wednesday, 10 January: Sir Cosmo. Edward, and George return to Edenfield. Sir Cosmo informs the members of the league who would care to know that Mr Thomas Mannering has died of pneumonia in the sanitarium to which he was committed nearly a year ago. Meanwhile, the Times, Standard, and Globe all report that Julius Graf von Waldersee, North German Confederation Secretary for the Navy (a sub-cabinet post which reports to the War Minister), has resigned that post and accepted the cabinet post of Minster for the Colonies within the Prussian government. Editorials speculate that Prussia's "allies" in the Confederation appear to be reluctant to share responsibilities for Prussia's colonies abroad. In Hertford, Mr O'Flaherty addresses the Hertfordshire Sports Club.

Thursday, 11 January: Sir Cosmo amuses some members of the household be reading aloud from the correspondence pages of the Transactions of the Camden Society. In the Weekly Companion one finds the eleventh chapter of "Kid Rocket and the Haunted Mine." While chapter two of "The Wizard of Ballistics" is published in the Half-Penny Marvel Library.

Friday, 12 January: The Evening Standard has a small item noting further cabinet shuffling in the North German Confederation government. Possibly of interest to the players: Wilhelm Margraf von Klink zu Worphaven has accepted the post of Secretary for the Navy.

Saturday, 13 January: in the city of Axum, Ethiopia, Yohannes IV is crowned "King of Zion, and King of Kings of Ethiopia" the first Emporer of Ethiopia crowned in that historic city since 1632. Most of the London papers treat this as a good thing, as Yohannes is considered a staunch ally of the British. The Daily News, the Observer, and the Echo are the few papers to refer to Yonannes as a puppet who was "carried to the throne on a fusilade of British guns." In Edenfield, Insp Simon MacGreggor and Miss Helen Shorrock are married. Sir Cosmo sends Mr Willoughby his initial report concerning the correspondence in the pages of the Transactions of the Camden Society.

Sunday, 14 January: the Times publishes a special report by Laurence Oliphant, laying out the unfinished business facing Parliament and profiling the senior cabinet minsters.

Monday, 15 January: Parliament convenes for the brief winter session. This is important to the players primarily because it is on this day that the Hon. Claude Eustace Wooster (Lt. Wooster's father) officially takes his seat as Viscount Yaxley. Sir Spencer and Mrs Cuthbert leave England bound for the duchy of Florin in the Netherlands, where they will be the guests of Prince Lukas of Florin for boar hunting season. Meanwhile, in south Kent, Mr O'Faherty addresses the Ashford Sporting Club. Sir Cosmo, Lady Cowperthwaite, Edward, Mrs Frazer, and other members of the household return to London. Mrs Salmalin goes to Glascow.

Tuesday, 16 January: The Daily News reports from it's Kingston, Jamaica office, that the schooner Octavio rescued a man adrift on wreckage at sea who claimed to be a survivor of the American schooner Ionia, bound for New Orleans from Parador. Unfortunately, the castaway was dying from complications of exposure when he was pulled from the water. His delirious account of how the ship was attacked and destroyed was sadly lacking in details. The castaway died before Octavio reached port.

Wednesday, 17 January: Wilhelmina returns to Lady Ottoline's school. Sir Cosmo and Mrs Frazer have a conversation about Maths instruction. Mrs Salmalin and Wilhelmina both receive letters from Miss Mitzi.

Thursday, 18 January: Lady Cowperthwaite visits her father. The Half-Penny Marvel Library includes chapter three of "The Wizard of Ballistics." While in the Weekly Companion is found the thrilling conclusion of "Kid Rocket and the Haunted Mine."

Friday, 19 January: The Evening Standard, the Times, and the Daily News all report that the Lords and Commons have approved the creation of a Joint Select Committee on Army Reform, to be chaired by Spencer Compton Cavendish (Lord Hartington), the War Minister. Sir Cosmo and others take the evening train to Edenfield.

Saturday, 20 January: Sir Cosmo brings to the attention of Mrs Frazer (and Wilhelmina) an article in a journal published by the University of Erlanger (in Bavaria) written by Fredrick, Baron von Zemo, concerning nerve fibres.

Monday, 22 January: The Evening Standard reports that the Select Committee on Army Reform, chaired by Lord Hartington (the War Minister) met with the Duke of Cambridge (Commander in Chief of the Army). Sir Cosmo, Edward, Mrs Frazer and others return to London.

Tuesday, 23 January: Several London papers report that the Select Committee on Army Reform is holding a second day of discussion the the Duke of Cambridge and his staff. Miss Mitzi calls on Mrs Salmalin and Wilhelmina at Sir Cosmo's townhouse.

Wednesday, 24 January: Mr O'Flaherty addresses the West Berkshire Sportsman Society.

Thursday, 25 January: Mrs Cuthbert receives a letter from her daughter, which (among other more mundane news) mentions that "Aunt Lillian" has recently re-married, she is now the Comtess de Brabant, "I understand the Comte has a lovely villa on the coast of Brittany." Lillian's new stepson, the Comte de Brabant de Rennes is a cabinet minister in the imperial government. Chapter four of "The Wizard of Ballistics" is published in the Half-Penny Marvel Library.

Friday, 26 January: The Standard reprints a story from the New Orleans Picayune, an American newspaper, reporting that the steamer Spartan, while travelling from Vitoria, Brazil discovered the wreckage of a ship, including several bodies, which were pulled from the water in hopes of finding a survivor. Effects on one of the bodies recovered identified him as Mr W.R. Allen, a Chicago businessman who had departed Miami aboard the steamer Passport, bound for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sir Cosmo and others return to Edenfield.

Saturday, 27 January: Lt and Mrs Wooster arrive in Edenfield.

Sunday, 28 January: The Times publishes a lengthy profile of Emperor Yohannes IV of Ethiopia, by Laurence Oliphant. The article includes extensive biographic details of the early life of Lord Kassai (his name before ascending the throne), with particular attention to his Solomonic blood, through both his maternal grandmother, Princess Workewoha Kale Kristoss of the Adwa family, and his paternal great-grandmother Princess Amata Selassie of the Shum family of Agame. This meant that he was descended from two of the major imperial families of Ethiopia, all claiming descent from King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The article is accompanied by a sidebar about the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church.

Monday, 29 January: Sir Cosmo, Edward, Mrs Frazer and others return to London. Mrs Salmalin returns to Edenfield.

Tuesday, 30 January: Mr Chadwick requests leave to travel to Lincolnshire, as his sister and brother-in-law (Mr and Mrs Marcellus Nottle) have recently had a son, who is to be christened this coming Sunday.

Wednesday, 31 January: Mr O'Flaherty addresses the Lancaster Sporting Assocation, in Lancaster.

February 1872

Thursday, 1 February: Mr O'Flaherty address the Heysham Sports Club. "The Wizard of Ballistics," chapter five, published in the Half-Penny Marvel Library, reaches the point when Dr Jeffers first met Atlas O'Flaherty. Sir Cosmo makes a more thorough report, in person, regarding his further research into the correspondence pages of the Transactions of the Camden Society.

Friday, 2 February: Candlemas. The Moriarty Mechanical Bicycle Company is founded. Mr Chadwick leaves London.

Saturday, 3 February: Sir Cosmo and others return to Edenfield The Times and Daily News both carry part of a speech by Count Otto von Bismarck, prime minister of Prussia, criticizing a School Supervision Bill currently before the North German Confederation Parliament, as being too favourable to Catholic institutions.

Sunday, 4 February: The Times publishes a story by Laurence Oliphant detailing his visit to the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in the town of Axum in Ethiopia, in which, it is claimed, the original Ark of The Covenant is stored. As an outsider, Oliphant was not permitted to enter the main church, but he described the building, the surrounding grounds, including the smaller "Chapel of the Tablet," and his interviews with several of the monks who live and work there.

Monday, 5 February: The Pall Mall Gazette and the Evening Standard both carry stories about the Queen returning to Windsor Castle from the Isle of Wight. Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs Salmalin travel to Cheshire to be the guests of Mr and Mrs John Whitnell. The Times and the Evening Standard each carry stories from Berlin about various political developments in the North German Confederation, including a quote from Ernst von Bruck, Chancellor of the Confederation, reminding reporters that the government department of spiritual affairs was disbanded the previous year, and not to confuse the statements of a minister of a member state with those of the confederation government.

Tuesday, 6 February: Mrs Salmalin meets the Vicountess Chelmsford, and her son, the Hon. Stephen Fortescue. Edward and Mrs Frazer return to London, Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite remain in Edenfield. Col. the Hon Andrew Dunbar has a meeting at the Foreign Office.

Wednesday, 7 February: Times prints a story about the increase in the number of cargo and passenger ships lost at sea in Western Atlantic over the previous months, with particular reference to evidence of the distruction of the ships Brooklyn, Ionia, and Passport. In Cheshire, Mrs Salmalin has a worrying conversation with the Vicountess' secretary. Meanwhile, Mr O'Flaherty addresses the Reigate and Banstead Sports and Fitness Association. Mr Chadwick returns to London. Col the Hon. Andrew Dunbar writes his old friend, Sir Robert Plank to ask questions about certain issues the latter has recently raised in the pages of the Transactions of the Camden Society. This is the beginning of a lively correspondence.

Thursday, 8 February: More London papers pick up the theme of the ships lost at sea, with speculation that this may be an indication that the notorious science pirate, Nemo, was not killed in the maelstrom, as reported in 1868. In the Half-Penny Marvel Library, is found the exciting conclusion to "The Wizard of Ballistics."

Friday, 9 February: Edward and Mrs Frazer return to Edenfield. Sir Cosmo has a conversation with Wilhelmina concerning Easter. The Evening Standard carries a story from Berlin regarding questions raised in the North German Confederation Parliament about the rumours of a return of the science pirate, Nemo. Bernhard Ernst von Bulöw, representative from the Duchy of Meklenburg-Strelitz, is quoted as expressing graves doubts as to whether the Confederation navy is prepared to deal with such a threat.

Saturday, 10 February: the Times reports an alarming collision the previous evening on the Lancaster and Carlisle rail line between a passenger train and a mail train. The collision was at slow speed, there are no injuries reported, but the line was blocked for nearly three hours. Both trains are operated by the London and Northwestern Railway. At Edenfield, several telegrams are received and sent by Sir Cosmo. Sir Cosmo and Wilhelmina speak with Mrs Wooster concerning Easter.

Sunday, 11 February: the Times publishes a story by Laurence Oliphant concerning the many historical artifacts unearthed over the last few decades in northeastern Africa.

Monday, 12 February: Several London newspapers report that the steamer Passport is now so overdue in port in Brazil as to be officially listed "lost at sea." The stories all include summaries of the story first reported on 26 January about recovery of a body believed to be a passenger from Passport along with some wreckage. Mr and Mrs Salmalin leave Cheshire. Sir Cosmo, Edward and Mrs Frazer return to London.

Tuesday, 13 February: Mr O'Flaherty address the Surrey Heath Wrestling and Sport Club.

Wednesday, 14 February: The Morning Herald reprints a story from the Miami Citizen, an American newspaper, which recounts the tales of survivors of the passenger ship Western Spirit, which sank in the Carribean. According to the survivors, the ship was attacked by an airship which was flying the battle banner of the Confederate States of America.

Thursday, 15 February: Edward completes his two-register Armonica and spends the evening practicing it. The eery music proves a bit of a problem in the late hours. Mrs Frazer attempts to get Edward to stop practicing, without much success, until Sir Cosmo asks Edward to come inside and assist him with some work in the lab.

Friday, 16 February: The Evening Standard carries a story of a problem at the London Library: someone tampered with all the doors and windows, making them impossible to open. A small crowd of curious bystanders had gathered by the time Insp. MacGreggor arrived on the scene. Mr Benton Frazer, Senior Evidence Clerk, dislodged one of the wedges holding the main door closed, and soon the library was open. The papers do not mention that Insp. MacGreggor came to Sir Cosmo's townhouse to question Edward. Sir Cosmo, Edward, and Mrs Frazer return to Edenfield. Hilary term ends at Glascow and Cambridge.

Saturday, 17 February: All of the papers carry stories about the London Library incident, but only the Observer and the Morning News quote a note allegedly left inside the building, saying "These doors should be open to all." Sir Egbert Vicker, one of the directors of the Library, is quoted in all of the papers about how the library has frequently been the target of Radicals and members of the Free Library Movement.

Monday, February 19: London papers report a train collision on the previous day at Oxenholme station. A goods train and passenger train collided, though as both engineers applied brakes before collision, there was no loss of life. Three passengers and an engineer are reported injured. Several wagons were overturned, and the line was blocked for nearly four hours. Both trains are operated by the London and Northwestern Railway. At Edenfiled, several telegrams are received and sent by Sir Cosmo.

Tuesday, 20 February: Sir Cosmo leaves Edenfield, bound for Oxenholme. Meanwhile, the London papers all report the signing of an agreement between the government of the Netherlands and Britain by which the Netherlands turns its colonies on the Gold Coast over to Britain.

Wednesday, 21 February: Sir Spencer and Mrs Cuthbert return to England.

Thursday, 22 February: Lt. Phipps, wearing a "clever" disguise of civilian clothes, dark glasses, and an obvious fake beard, arrives at Edenfield to call on the Woosters and catch them up on news from the city. The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter one of a new serial starring Lt Howarth, "Death on the German Sea."

Friday, 23 February: Capt. Winship, an old shipmate of Lt Wooster who is living in retirement in Liverpool, calls on the Woosters at Edenfield Court. Mrs Salmalin has an alarming dream.

Saturday, 24 February: the Times and the Evening Standard both carry stories about the departure of several French battleships, including the Supreme Marshall's flagship, the aerofrigate L'Victoire, have departed France. And in Frimley Green, at the invitation of the Surrey Heath Wrestling and Sport Club, Mr O'Flaherty and Mr Maws give a boxing exhibition which is well received.

Sunday, 25 February: Sir Cosmo returns to Edenfield. The Times carries a special report by Laurence Oliphant concerning the Free Library Movement and the Public Library Act of 1850. The main point of the article being that almost no Public Libraries have been created in England since the passage of that act since the Act only allows Public Libraries in borough of greater than 10,000 population, requires the local Ratings Board to first approve a Public Library, which must be approved by two-thirds of ratepayers in a referendum, at which point the Rates may be increased no more than a half a penny to support the Library, and absolutely no public funds could be used to purchase books for the Public Library.

Monday, 26 February: Several London papers report an official statement from the French department of the navy that Admiral LeCoq is conducting training exercises in the Atlantic. Meanwhile, Sir Cosmo leaves Edenfield, bound for London.

Tuesday, 27 February: Capt. Winship calls on the Woosters again, and inform them that the Liverpool branch of the Bombards stands ready to give Lt Wooster and Mrs Wooster (as an Honourary Bombard) the traditional Wedding Banquet (the tradition being that if a member is not able to have a Bachelor Dinner, they'll jolly well have a party after the wedding, then). Mrs Cuthbert becomes involved in the negotiations when it becomes clear that Emily is currently the only local female Honourary Member, and that, of course, the clubmen intend to throw a seperate party for each of the Woosters.

Wednesday, 28 February: Sir Cosmo has several meetings in the Railways Department of the Board of Trade.

Thursday, 29 February: Sir Cosmo meets with Sir John Rennie (another major shareholder in the London and Northwestern Railway). Meanwhile, chapter two of "Death on the German Sea" is published in the Half-Penny Marvel Library.

March 1872

Friday, 1 March: Miss Pinker arrives at Edenfield.

Saturday, 2 March: several London papers report from Munich, Bavaria that Baron Friedrich von Hegnenberg-Dux having resigned as Minister-President of His Majesty's government for health reaons, has been replaced by Adolf von Pfretzschner, most recently Minister for Commerce and Public Works.

Monday, 4 March: The directors of the London and Northwestern Railway call an Extraordinary Meeting with the officers of the company.

Tuesday, 5 March: The Court of Common Pleas rules after 102 days in the case of the man claiming to be the presumed-dead Sir Roger Charles Doughty Tichborne. Papers recount the 22 days of cross examination of the man claiming to be Sir Roger in which numerous contradictions were revealed. The jury finds that the preponderance of evidence is that he is actually Arthur Orton, the son of a butcher from the Wapping neighborhood of London (the testimony of the mother of Arthur Orton, two brothers, a sister, his former parish priest, and the young woman with whom he sired an illigetimate son and fled England years before certainly did not help his case). "Sir Roger's" lawsuit against the two-year-old Sir Henry Alfred Joseph Dughty Tichborne, nephew and heir of the real Sir Roger, is dismissed. Orton is arrested on suspicion of perjury while trying to exit the courthouse.

Wednesday, 6 March: Miss Betty Whitnell's Presentation Date is confirmed.

Thursday, 7 March: Sir Cosmo returns to Edenfield, clearly not in a good mood. Stuart, the footman, who had travelled with Sir Cosmo, mentions to others downstairs that the train contained a rather large number of men wearing dark glasses and obviously fake beards. And all coincidentally bound for Liverpool. Mr Graves, who also travelled with Sir Cosmo, doesn't comment. Meanwhile, chapter three of "Death on the German Sea" is published in the Half-Penny Marvel Library.

Friday, 8 March: Mrs Wooster, Mrs Cuthbert, and Sir Spencer attend Mrs Wooster's Honourary Bachelor Dinner, hosted by Lt Phipps at the Liverpool Bombards Club House. Meanwhile, the Liverpool Evening Express carries a story about the 7th Royal Fusiliers regiment moving a large amount of equipment through the city.

Saturday, 9 March: The Liverpool Daily Post, the Daily Courier, and the Mercury all carry stories about a signicant disturbance of the peace as several citizens reported explosions in the Prince's Road vicinity. In the evening, Lt Wooster and Sir Spencer attend Wooster's Post-Bachelor Dinner, hosted by Capt. Winship at the Liverpool Bombards Club House.

Sunday, 10 March: The Times prints a special report by Mr Laurence Oliphant about the long convoluted fraud that Arthur Orton pulled off, masquerading as Sir Roger Tichborne, and even convincing Sir Roger's mother (during the last few years of her life). Meanwhile, the various Liverpool papers report another disturbance of the peace, while the source of the explosions is identified as some drunk navy and army artillery officers firing off a salute in honour of a member's wedding. The bell tower of St. Sebastion's Church on Prince's Road was severely damaged in the incident.

Monday, 11 March: Lt Wooster attempts to bail Lt Phipps and Lt Mainwaring out of jail, then tries to convince Barmy's solicitor to call him as a character witness. At the hearing, Phipps and Mainwaring are each fined 5 pounds and ordered to pay for the repairs to the church bell tower. Mrs Frazer (and Violet and the babies), Graves, Edward, and George return to London on some business for Sir Cosmo.

Tuesday, 12 March: Graves, Edward, and George visit Wonka's Fine Confectionary.

Thursday, 14 March: Emily receives a letter from the Hon. Dolores Fotheringay, stating she will be travelling through Edenfield in early April and hoping she might call upon Mrs Wooster. When she brings the letter to Lt Wooster's attention, Henry casually mentions that Dolores Fotheringay is the daughter of Viscount Deever, is the sister of Wooster's friend "Spongie" Fotheringay, and is engaged to "Barmy" Phipps. Meanwhile, the Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter four of "Death on the German Sea" in which Dr Jeffers, the Wizard of Ballistics, joins Lt Howarth in the search for the mysterious submersible.

Friday, 15 March: The Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society publishes a paper by Mr James Moriarty, "Some Notes on Nonlinear Inversion of the Wave Equation." The Daily News reprints a story from it's Kingston, Jamaica editon recalling the tale of the schooner Dominion, which reportedly had an encounter with an airship flying "questionable colours" off the coast of Brazil. Mrs Frazer (and Violet and the babies), Graves, Edward, and George return to Edenfield.

Saturday, 16 March: The Wanderers Football Club, of Battersea, London, defeats the Royal Engineers A.F.C. at The Oval, in Kennington, to win the first ever Football Association Challenge Cup.

Sunday, 17 March: Nanny Chigwidgeon arrives at Edenfield. The Times publishes a special report by Mr Laurence Oliphant about Charles Piazzi Smyth, professor of astronomy at the University of Edinburgh, Astronomer Royal of Scotland, and author of the controversial book, Our Inheritance in the Great Pyramid, and more recently On the Antiquity of Intellectual Man. The article includes several recent quotes from the professor, who has taken time from his astronomical researches to deliver a series of lectures enumerating the flaws in Darwin's The Descent of Man. The article has a sidebar which references the very similar theories of Sir Matthew Whemple, author of The Legacy of Egypt, and Sir Robert Plank, author of The Shadow of the Tower of Babel.

Monday, 18 March: the Morning Herald and the Times both carry stories claiming that several French battleships, including three aerofrigates, were seen in port at Martinique. Mrs Frazer (and Violet and the babies), Graves, Edward, and George return to London. Inspector MacGreggor investigates a burglary on Camberwell Lane.

Tuesday, 19 March: Several papers mention that the Paris press is full of stories about cabinet ministers and the palace refusing to comment on rumors that the Imperial Prince and his young bride are expecting a child. Meanwhile, Dr. John Kenyon receives a letter from his old friend, Sir Robert Plank, asking his professional assistance.

Wednesday, 20 March: All the London papers carry the story: the Board of Trade releaseses it's report on the two train collisions on the Lancaster and Carlisle rail line. The cause of both collisions is ruled as signalling errors, though design problems were "significant contributing factors."

Thursday, 21 March: Sir Cosmo leaves Edenfield in the wee hours of the morning on a special, bound for London. The fifth chapter of "Death on the German Sea" starring Lt Howarth and Dr Jeffers is published in the Half-Penny Marvel Library.

Friday, 22 March: Inspector MacGreggor investigates a burglary on Camberwell Lane. Dr. John Kenyon takes a train from London to Snodbury, Worcester, where he is a guest at Doverton Abbey, the home of Sir Robert Plank.

Saturday, 23 March: Sir Cosmo returns to Edenfield very late in the evening on a special. He seems to be in a very good mood. Inspector MacGreggor investigates another burglary on Camberwell Lane.

Sunday, 24 March: The Times publishes a special report by Mr Laurence Oliphant which consists of interviews with three critics of Darwin's work: Samuel Wilberforce, former Bishop of Oxford and currently Bishop of Winchester and author of Hebrew Heroes of History, Richard Owen, superintendent of the natural history department of the British Museum, and Adam Sedgewick, Woodwardian Professorship of Geology at Cambridge University.

Monday, 25 March: The financial pages of several London papers report that Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite has personally bought out nearly every other shareholder of the London and Northwestern Railway Company. Any members of the household who wish to talk about this with him will have to go out to Edward's workshop, where Cosmo and Edward seem to be quite engrossed in a design project. Inspector MacGreggor investigates another burglary on Camberwell Lane.

Tuesday, 26 March: Inspector MacGreggor investigates another burglary on Camberwell Lane. Dr. Kenyon returns to London, accompanied by a patient, Miss Evie Botley.

Wednesday, 27 March: Mrs Frazer, Edward, Emily, George, Violet, the babies, Lt. Wooster in disguise (and perhaps a few others) return to London. Meanwhile, Col. the Hon. Andrew Dunbar receives a letter from Sir Robert Plank asking him to come assist with a matter of some urgency.

Thursday, 28 March: The exciting conclusion of "Death on the German Sea," is published in the Half-Penny Marvel Library. Inspector MacGreggor investigates another burglary on Camberwell Lane. Meanwhile, Col. Dunbar takes a train from London to Snodbury, Worcester.

Friday, 29 March: Good Friday.

Saturday, 30 March: Inspector MacGreggor investigates another burglary on Camberwell Lane. The Times and the Evening Standard both carry stories from American papers about a severe earthquake reported earlier in the week near the town of Lone Pine, California. In the wee small hours of the morning in the Southwerk neighborhood of London some surprise deliveries are made. Dr. Kenyon sends a letter to Sir Robert Plank in which he summarizes his progress in the diagnosis and treatment of Miss Botley.

Sunday, 31 March: Easter Sunday. The Times publishes a special report by Mr Laurence Oliphant on the history and importance of the Book of Common Prayer. The story seems quite accurate in the details of the development of the book from Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury's Exhortation and Litany in 1544 (under Henry VIII), to the 1549 full prayer book (under Edward VI), to the 1559 book and conformity laws (under Elizabeth), to the present book adopted in 1662 (under Charles II). Certain readers may take exception to the sniping Oliphant seems to be doing toward both the Oxford Movement and the Tractarians in the later portion of the story. Meanwhile, Mrs Frazer, Graves, Edward, Emily and so on, return to Edenfield.

April 1872

Monday, 1 April: Inspector MacGreggor investigates the death of Dr. John Kenyon in his office on Camberwell Lane. Inspector MacGreggor takes the confession of Eddie "the Eel" Molony.

Tuesday, 2 April: Prof. James Challis, Director of the Cambridge Observatory, reports the possible discovery of a small celestial object orbiting the earth. Inspector MacGreggor has a talk with a coroner. Mrs. Earwig is consulted by Mr Frazer.

Wednesday, 3 April 1872: Lady Cowperthwaite gives birth to a son. Telegrams go out, inviting those not already present to the Christening. The Times reports that Samuel F.B. Morse, inventor of Morse code, died the day before at his home in New York, just weeks shy of his 81st birthday.

Thursday, 4 April: John Russell Hind, Superintendent of the Nautical Almanac and Director of the private observatory of George Bishop (in Regents Park), disputes Challis' discovery of a new moon, claiming instead that the object Challis has observed is an asteroid orbiting the sun. Meanwhile, on the cover of the Half-Penny Marvel Library is a picture of Atlas O'Flaherty, Eamon O'Malley, and Billy Callahan on a raft in the middle of the ocean above the title: "Atlas Adrift! The castaways attempt a dangerous sea crossing in the new serial adventure!" Meanwhile, Col. Dunbar sends a cryptic telegram to Sir Cosmo, saying he is bringing something the latter will find very interesting.

Friday, 5 April 1872: Play begins on "The Problem of the Heavenly Mechanism." Sir Spencer, Lt Wooster, and Mr O'Flaherty each receive incomprehensible telegrams from the lieutenant's brother, Willoughby Wooster. The Comte and Comtess des Brabant call upon the Cowperthwaite household and offer their congratulations. Mr O'Flaherty is questioned by a reporter. Mr Frazer and Insp. MacGreggor take a train to Edenfield. The body of Colonel Dunbar is found alone in a first class car of the same train upon arrival at Edenfield Station. Subsequent investigation leads to a wild spell and much consternation. Col. Dunbar's comatose body is relocated to the home of Mr Nathan Shorrock. Lord Greyminster arrives at Edenfield. The servants at Doverton Hall send urgent telegrams to the relatives of Sir Robert Plank, informing them that Sir Robert has fallen gravely ill.

Saturday, 6 April 1872: Investigations continue, including several history spells. Information arrives from the Foreign Office concerning Colonel Dunbar. Some members of the League travel to Manchester, where they happen to run into the Comte des Brabant. Another history spell is cast. Mr Ichabod Balderstoke arrives at Edenfield.

Sunday, 7 April 1872: Galen Robert Cowperthwaite is christened. In the evening, Wooster's sister, Mrs Travers, confronts Sir Cosmo concerning Col Dunbar's medical condition and whether his fiancee has been informed. Insp. MacGreggor receives a telegram from London, ordering him to Snodbury, Worcester, where the local constable has asked for assistance investigating the death of Sir Robert Plank. Mrs Travers invites Lady Cowperthwaite and the household to be her guests at Brinkley Court, conveniently two miles from the home of Sir Robert Plank.

Monday, 8 April 1872: Insp. & Mrs MacGreggor, Mr Frazer, Mr & Mrs Salmalin take early morning train to Snodbury, are met by Constable Betts and proceed to Doverton Abbey. Sir Cosmo and remainder of League (with babies and some servants in tow) arrive on a slightly later train, settle at Brinkley Court, then join the investigation. Sir Cosmo suffers a concussion. Major Powell arrives. Mr Ramsay arrives. The Comte & Comtess des Brabant arrive. Various discoveries are made. Wilhelmina and Mrs Wooster travel to new heights and are returned. League meets an Angel/Kosh called Semkhet. Battles are joined, some won, some lost. Time loops. Demons (or Shadows) are defeated. Shadow servants are slain.

Tuesday, 9 April 1872: League returns to London. Many avenues of information are explored. A decoy is found. Edward, Lt Wooster, Sir Spencer, Mr O'Flaherty, and Mrs Wooster find Mad Hettie, who leads them to Evie Botley, who leads them to an unusual chamber under the Tower of London. Riddles are solved. Meanwhile, Mr Oliphant, his servants, and at least one Shadow confront Mrs Frazer at Sir Spencers home. Lady Cowperthwaite, Mr Salmalin, and others come to her aid. Sir Cosmo, Mrs Cuthbert, Mrs Salmalin also come to rescue. Oliphant and servants killed. Shadow excorcised. Mrs Frazer makes a discovery which takes her on a very long journey. Edward's new friend helps the League stage a rescue. A ship is destroyed.

Wednesday, 10 April 1872: The Comte finds his way to the unusual chamber, but the Comtess is not allowed. League and Comte help fragments of Semkhet re-unite. League, Comte, Miss Botley, Hettie, and Semkhet confront the rest of the Angels/Kosh. They agree to withdraw. Leave Miss Botley with means to cure victims of the Kosh.

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Contents this page copyright 2005 by Gene Breshears. All Rights Reserved.