This panel from a golden age American comic book presents a gripping scene of detective work in progress. The background is a vibrant red, creating a dramatic backdrop for the action.

In the foreground, we see two men engaged in an intense conversation. On the left is a police officer, identifiable by his gray uniform and hat. He's leaning in close to the other man, his expression serious and focused.

The second man is more colorful in his attire. He's wearing a gray suit with a white shirt and a yellow bow tie, giving him a distinguished appearance. On his head is a yellow hat, and in his mouth is a green pipe, adding to his unique look. He's holding a black book in his hands, which he's intently studying.

The officer's speech bubble reveals the plot thickening. He's exclaiming about a dead girl's diary and the killer's handwriting. The man with the pipe, who appears to be the detective, is making a remarkable discovery. He's exclaiming "Holy smoke!" as he realizes the killer's true identity - the famous artist Van Mort.

This panel effectively captures the excitement and tension typical of golden age comics. The contrasting characters, the mysterious diary, and the unexpected revelation all contribute to a sense of mystery and suspense that kept readers on the edge of their seats during this era of comic book storytelling.