Notes For All Chapters – Balbharati English Class 7
The Red-Headed League
Introduction
- The story is narrated by Dr. Watson, a friend of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes.
- Dr. Watson visits Sherlock Holmes and meets an elderly man with bright red hair.
- Holmes introduces the man as Mr. Jabez Wilson, a pawnbroker (someone who lends money in exchange for valuable items).
- Holmes asks Mr. Wilson to tell his strange story to Dr. Watson.
Mr. Wilson’s Story Begins
The Advertisement
- Mr. Wilson shows Holmes and Watson a newspaper advertisement.
- The advertisement is about a job vacancy in the “Red-Headed League.”
- Details of the advertisement:
- Job is for red-headed men only.
- Salary: £4 per week (good money at that time).
- Work: Nominal (easy or light tasks).
- Apply on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at 7 Fleet Street to Duncan Ross.
When the Advertisement Appeared
- It was published two months ago (around August 1880, since the story ends in October 1880).
Mr. Wilson’s Assistant: Vincent Spaulding
- Vincent Spaulding, Mr. Wilson’s assistant, showed him the advertisement.
- About Spaulding:
- Smart and efficient worker.
- Worked for half the usual wages (which Mr. Wilson liked).
- Had a hobby: photography (he often went to the cellar to develop photos, which was a fault).
The Red-Headed League’s Background
- Spaulding told Mr. Wilson that an American millionaire, Ezekiah Hopkins, started the Red-Headed League to help red-headed people.
- Spaulding encouraged Mr. Wilson to apply for the job.
Applying for the Job
The Visit to Fleet Street
- Mr. Wilson and Spaulding went to 7 Fleet Street, the address in the advertisement.
- The street was crowded with red-headed men hoping to get the job.
- Mr. Wilson felt he had no chance due to the competition and wanted to leave.
- Spaulding pushed through the crowd and took Mr. Wilson to the office.
Meeting Duncan Ross
- The office was simple: just a table and a few chairs.
- A red-headed man, Duncan Ross, was in charge (he worked for the Red-Headed League).
- Duncan Ross liked Mr. Wilson immediately and chose him for the job.
- He shook hands with Mr. Wilson, congratulated him, and told the other candidates to leave.
Job Details
- Working hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily.
- Rule: Mr. Wilson must not leave the office during these hours, or he would lose the job.
- Spaulding promised to manage Mr. Wilson’s pawnshop while he was away.
- Salary: £4 per week.
- Task: Copy the Encyclopedia Britannica (a big book with information on many topics).
Mr. Wilson Starts the Job
First Day
- Mr. Wilson started work the next day.
- Duncan Ross was present to supervise him.
- He told Mr. Wilson to begin with the letter “A” and write carefully.
- Mr. Wilson worked from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. without leaving his seat.
- At 2:00 p.m., Duncan Ross said goodbye and locked the office.
Routine
- This continued every day.
- On Saturdays, Mr. Wilson received his £4 salary.
- Duncan Ross checked on him occasionally at first, but later stopped coming regularly.
- After some time, Duncan Ross stopped visiting altogether.
Progress
- Mr. Wilson worked for 8 weeks.
- He wrote about topics starting with “A” (like Abbots, Archery, etc.).
- He hoped to move to “B” soon.
The Sudden End
The End of the Job
- One morning (October 9, 1880), Mr. Wilson went to work as usual.
- The office door was locked, with a note nailed to it.
- The note said: “The Red-Headed League is dissolved. Oct 9, 1880.”
- “Dissolved” means the League no longer existed.
Mr. Wilson’s Confusion
- He was shocked and didn’t know what to do.
- He asked nearby offices about the League, but no one knew anything.
- The office had been rented under a fake name.
Asking for Help
- Mr. Wilson went home and asked Spaulding for advice, but Spaulding couldn’t help.
- Mr. Wilson decided to consult Sherlock Holmes to solve the mystery.
- He wanted to know:
- Who was behind the Red-Headed League?
- Why did they trick him?
Sherlock Holmes’ Reaction
Holmes’ Interest
- Holmes found the story very unusual and interesting.
- He asked Mr. Wilson about Vincent Spaulding.
Description of Spaulding
- Small, stout (short and heavy), no facial hair.
- Has a white mark (acid splash) on his forehead.
Holmes’ Thoughts
- Holmes seemed suspicious of Spaulding (he said, “I thought as much”).
- He asked if Spaulding was still working for Mr. Wilson (answer: Yes).
Holmes’ Promise
- Holmes told Mr. Wilson he would think about the case.
- It was Saturday, and he promised to give his opinion by Monday.
Key Points to Remember
Characters:
- Mr. Jabez Wilson: Red-headed pawnbroker, simple and trusting.
- Vincent Spaulding: Smart assistant with a photography hobby, possibly suspicious.
- Duncan Ross: Representative of the Red-Headed League, mysterious.
- Sherlock Holmes: Clever detective.
- Dr. Watson: Holmes’ friend and narrator.
Setting: London, 1880 (Fleet Street and Mr. Wilson’s pawnshop).
Mystery: Why was Mr. Wilson hired for a strange job, and why did it suddenly end?
Vocabulary
- Pawnbroker: A person who lends money against valuable items.
- Nominal: Something small or easy.
- Encyclopedia: A book with information on many subjects.
- Dissolved: Ended or closed down.
- Prank: A trick or joke.
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