The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-08-09
THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE.

Hdl Cdl1tu upon lTtcHus 4dAs Chcl-
lock Holmes. one day In the autumn of
last year. and found him in deep CONVEX
sation with a very stout, fiorid-faced, ell
derby gentleman, with fiery red hair.
With an apology for my intrusion, l was
about to Withdraw, when Holmes pulled
me abruptly into the room, and closed the
door behind me.
'sYou could not possibly have come at a
better time, my dear Watson" he said
cordially. This gentleman, Mr.. Wilson,
has been my partner and helper in many of
my most successful cases. and / have no
doubt that he will be of the utmost use to
me in yours also"
The stout gentleman half rose from his
chair, and gave bob of greeting, With a
quick little questioning glance from his
small, fat-encircied eyes.
'Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing
into his armchair. and putting his finger
tips together, as was his custom in judi
cial moods. 81 know, my dear Watson,
that you share my love of all that is
bizarre and outside the conventions and
humdrpm routine of everyday life. Now,
Mr.. Jabez Wilson here has been good
enough to call upon me this morning and
to begin a narrative which promises to be
one of the most singular which I have
listened to for some time. Perhaps, Mr..
Wilson, you would have the great kind
ness to recommence your narration. ask
you, not merely because my friend Dr.
Watson has not heard the opening part,
but also because the peculiar nature of the
story makes me anxious to have every
possible detail from your lips"
H. al faI - eI
with an appearance of some little pride,
and pulled dirty and wrinkled news
paper from the inside pocket of his great
coat. As he glanced down the advertise
ment column, with his head thrust for
ward and the paper flattened out upon his
knee, took good look at the man, and
endeavored, after the fashion of my COM
panion, to read the indications which
might be presented by his dress or appear
anee.
/ did not gain very much, however, by
my inspection. Our visitor bore every
mark of being an average, commonplace
British tradesman, obese, pompous and
slow. He wore rather baggy gray shep-
herds check trousers, a not over-clean
black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front,
and drab waistcoat, with heavy brassy
Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of
metal dangling down as an ornament. A
frayed top hat and faded brown overcoat
with a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon q
chair beside him. Altogether, look as
would, there was nothing remarkable
about the man save his blazing red head
and the expression of extreme chagrin
and discomfort upon his features.
'Can you not find the advertisement,
Mr.. Wilson," asked Holmes.
"Yes. have got it now," he answered,
with his thick, red finger planted halfway
down the column. ''Here it is. This is
what began it all. You just read it for
yourself, SIR"
took the paper from him, and read as
follows:
To the Red Headed League: On account of the
bequest OF the late Ezekiah Hopkins, of Leb-
anon, Pa, U. s. A., there is now another va.
cancy open which entities a member of the
League TO a salary of CT week for purely nom.
inal services All red-headed men who are
sound in body and mind, and above the age of
q years, are eligible. Apply in person on Mon
day. at II O'clock, TO Duncan Ross at the offices
OF the League, Popes Court, Fleet street.
what on earth does this meant"
calculated after had twice read over the
extraordinary announcement.
Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his
chair, as was his habit when in high
spirits alt is little of the beaten track,
isn't il /? said he. And now, Mr. Wilson,
off you go at scratch, and tell US all about
yourself, your household, and the effect
which this advertisement had upon your
fortunes. You will first make a note, doc.
tor, of the paper and the date"
1t is the Morning Chronicle of April 81,
lS90-iust two months ago."
"Very good. Now, Mr.. Wilson"
well, il is just as / have been telling
you, Mr.. Sherlock Holmes" said Jabez
Wilson. hopping his forehead. II have a
small pawnbroker's business a. Coburg
Square, near the city. Its no; a very
large affair, and OF late years il has not
done more than just give me living. |
used TO be able to keep two assistants, but
now l only keep one; and would have a
Job to pay him. but that he is willing to
come for half wages so As to learn the bust
ness"
What is the name of this obliging
youth ?" asked Sherlock Holmes.
His name is Vincent Spaulding, and
he's not such youth either. It's hard 10
say his age. l should not wish a smarter
assistant, Mr.. Holmes; and / know verv
well that he could better himself anhearn
twice what / am able TO give him. But
after all, il he is satisfied, why should |
put ideas into his head He has his faults.
too. Never was such q fellow for photog-
raphy. Swapping away with camera
when he ought TO be improving his mind,
and then diving down into the cellar like
rabbit into its hole TO develop his pic
lures"
HE Is still with You, presume9"
Yes, sir. He and girl of Ii. who does
. bit of simple cooking, and keeps the
place clean-that's al l have in the house.
for ] am = widower and never had any
family. We live very quietly, sir, the
three Of as; and We keep roof over our
heads, and pay our debts, if we do nothing
more.
THE first thing that put US out was that
advertisement. spaulding, he came down
into the Office just this day eight weeks
With this very paper in his hand, and he
SAYS;
d" 4 wish to the Lord. Mr.. Wilson, tina,
WAS red-headed man.
why thatg' | asks
Why, SAYS he, here's another vacancy
In the League of the Red-Headed Men
Its worth quite little fortune to any man