* Copy endless pages of the _Encyclopaedia Britannica_: Jabez Wilson is employed by the league to spend his working hours copying entries from the _Encyclopaedia Britannica_ in their office.
* Work in near silence: The rules of the Red-Headed League state that members must not speak to anyone, even to each other, while working.
* Work during specific hours: Jabez Wilson has to work from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, which interferes with his usual work schedule.
This unusual and seemingly pointless task is all part of a clever scheme orchestrated by the villainous Professor Moriarty and his accomplice, John Clay. Their real aim is to have Jabez Wilson out of his shop during the day, making it easier for them to rob the bank next door.