When Watson visits Holmes during the fall, he finds the detective in conversation with an elderly, stout, red-headed pawn shop owner. The doctor describes him as “an average commonplace British tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow” (29). The man, Jabez Wilson, has come to Holmes with an unusual case. Some months ago, Wilson was hired by a group, calling itself the Red-Headed League, purportedly set up by an American millionaire with the express purpose of helping out red-headed men. When Wilson goes to apply, there is a long line of people, but he nevertheless is selected for the position. His task is to come to the office every day in the morning and copy the encyclopedia for a few hours. The pay is very generous, with the only stipulation that he must show up every day. Understandably, Wilson is glad of this opportunity and follows the rules faithfully. When the office closes completely and without notice, the man is anxious to find out what happened.

After asking some clarifying questions about Wilson’s business and assistant, Holmes realizes that the job was a ruse meant to get the man out of his shop. In reality, his employee, John Clay, is a criminal mastermind.