Why was the ad placed in the newspaper in the red headed league?

Answer 1

It was to create a legitimate looking reason for Wilson to get the job. It was rigged ahead of time to get him out of his pawn shop. That allowed his assistant to finish digging into the bank vault behind the shop.

Answer 2

It was to create a legitimate looking reason for Smith to get the job. It was rigged ahead of time to get him out of his pawn shop. That allowed his assistant to finish digging into the bank vault across the street.