The Boscombe Pool, little reed-girt sheet of water some fifty yards across, is situated boundary Hatherley Farm private park wealthy Mr Turner Above the woods which lined it farther side we the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site rich landowner's dwelling Hatherley side pool the woods grew very thick, and narrow belt of sodden grass twenty paces across edge trees land the reeds which lined the lake Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which the body found, and, indeed, so moist ground, that plainly see the traces which left fall stricken man To Holmes, as I by his eager face and peering eyes, very things were read trampled grass He ran round, like dog picking up scent, and then turned upon my companion

"What did you go pool for ? " he asked

"I fished about with rake some weapon or other trace But how on earth--"

"Oh, tut, tut ! no time ! That left foot of yours with its inward twist is all over the place mole could trace it, and there it vanishes reeds Oh, how simple it would all had I been here came like herd of buffalo and wallowed all over it where the party lodge-keeper came, and covered all tracks for six or eight feet round the body But here are three separate tracks same feet " He drew out lens and lay down upon his waterproof better view, talking all the time rather to himself than "These are young McCarthy's feet Twice walking, and once he ran swiftly, so soles are deeply marked heels hardly visible That bears out his story He ran when his father ground Then here are the father's feet as he paced up and down What , then ? butt-end gun son stood listening And this ? Ha, ha ! What have we here ? Tiptoes ! tiptoes ! Square, too, quite unusual boots ! , they go, again-- that was cloak Now where did from ? " He ran up and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we were well edge wood and under the shadow of great beech, the largest tree neighbourhood Holmes traced his way farther side and lay down once more upon his face with little cry of satisfaction he remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, gathering up what seemed dust into an envelope and examining lens the ground but even the bark tree as far as reach jagged stone was lying moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained Then he followed pathway wood until highroad, where all traces were lost

" case of considerable interest," he remarked, returning natural manner "I fancy grey house right the lodge that go in word with Moran, and perhaps write little note Having done that, drive back to our luncheon walk cab, and presently "

about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove back into Ross, Holmes still carrying the stone which he had picked up wood

" interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out "The murder with it "

" no marks "

" none "

"How , then ? "

"The grass was growing under it It had only lain there no sign of place whence it taken It corresponds injuries no sign of weapon "

" murderer ? "

"Is tall man, left-handed, limps right leg, wears thick-soled shooting-boots and grey cloak, smokes Indian cigars, uses cigar-holder, and carries blunt pen-knife pocket indications, but these enough to aid us search "

Lestrade laughed " afraid that still sceptic," "Theories are all , but to deal with hard-headed British jury "

"Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly "You work your own method, and work mine busy this afternoon, and shall probably return to London evening train "

"And leave your case unfinished ? "

"No, finished "

"But the mystery ? "

" solved "

"Who criminal, then ? "

"The gentleman I describe "

"But he ? "

"Surely it difficult out such populous neighbourhood "

Lestrade shrugged his shoulders " practical man," , "and I really cannot undertake country looking for left-handed gentleman with game leg become the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard "

"All right," said Holmes quietly " you the chance Here are your lodgings Good-bye drop you line before I leave "

Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where lunch table Holmes was silent and buried in thought with pained expression upon his face, as one who finds himself in perplexing position

"Look here, Watson," cloth was cleared "just sit down chair and let me preach for little I don't know quite what , and value your advice Light cigar and let me expound "

"Pray "

"Well, now, in considering two points about young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, although they impressed me favour and you against him One fact that his father should, according account, cry 'Cooee ! ' before seeing him The other was his singular dying reference to rat He mumbled several words, you understand, but that was all that caught the son's ear Now double point our research must commence, and begin it by presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true "

"What 'Cooee ! ' then ? "

"Well, obviously it meant son The son, as far as , was in Bristol mere chance that within earshot The 'Cooee ! ' was meant to attract the attention of whoever it he had the appointment with But 'Cooee' is distinctly Australian cry, and one used between Australians strong presumption person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was someone who in Australia "

"What rat, then ? "