Test: The Mystery of The Red-Headed League - Year 9 MCQ

The abrupt dissolution of the Red-Headed League was part of a criminal plot orchestrated by John Clay, who used the League as a distraction to facilitate his theft. This ruse allowed him to tunnel into the bank next door without being noticed.

Holmes's strategy involved hiding with Watson and Mr. Merryweather, waiting for the criminals to arrive. This tactical approach allowed them to catch the intruders by surprise, showcasing Holmes’s reliance on patience and observation in his investigations.

Jabez Wilson was distinguished by his fiery red hair, which was a notable characteristic that caught Holmes's attention immediately. This feature not only helped identify him but also played a crucial role in the plot surrounding the Red-Headed League.

Vincent Spaulding, Wilson's assistant, was the one who excitedly pointed out the opportunity presented by the Red-Headed League advertisement. His enthusiasm and encouragement were significant in persuading Wilson to apply for the position.

Holmes noticed the wear on Spaulding's trouser knees, which indicated that he had been engaging in activities that required kneeling, such as digging. This observation was crucial in connecting Spaulding to the underlying plot of the story.

The underlying motive for the formation of the Red-Headed League was to distract Jabez Wilson, allowing John Clay to tunnel into the bank next door and steal its gold. This clever ruse highlights the theme of deception in the narrative, showcasing Holmes's role in uncovering the truth.

Wilson earned £4 a week from the Red-Headed League, which he received for his task of copying the Encyclopaedia. This amount was significant for him, given his small business's financial state and the nature of his work.

The Red-Headed League offered a salary for minimal work, specifically paying Jabez Wilson four sovereigns a week to copy the Encyclopaedia. The unusual nature of the job and its pay rate drew Wilson's interest and participation.

Vincent Spaulding played a pivotal role by bringing the Red-Headed League advertisement to Jabez Wilson's attention and encouraging him to apply. Spaulding's excitement about the opportunity and his persuasive nature convinced Wilson to pursue the job, which ultimately led to the unfolding of the mystery surrounding the League.

Holmes suspected Vincent Spaulding's involvement in illicit activities based on the wear on his trousers, which indicated that he had likely been engaging in physical labor, such as digging. This detail, combined with other observations, led Holmes to connect Spaulding to the mystery of the Red-Headed League and the planned robbery of the bank.