This was the name.
It was a clew.
The detectives realized this. At once they began to follow the trail of blood.
They felt certain of a sure revelation of the mystery. The blood trail led to the door of a room at the end of the corridor.
This door was closed and locked.
What was beyond it, the detectives could only guess.
But in their mind’s-eye they saw the mangled remains of the murderer’s victim. So they threw themselves against the door.
And beneath their combined weight it gave way.
As it crashed in, however, they were met by an impassable barrier.
Flames and smoke filled the doorway and forbade their entrance. They were driven back.