ce and the cause of shame to
mankind.

Now after the occurrence of this grave matter all of this sect were
suspected. At first there was neither investigation nor inquiry, but
afterwards in mere justice it was decided that there should be
investigation, inquiry, and examination. All who were known to be of this
sect fell under suspicion. Baha'u'llah was passing the summer in the
village of Af_ch_ih situated one stage from Tihran. When this news was
spread abroad and punishment began, everyone who was able hid himself in
some retreat or fled the country. Amongst these Mirza Yahya, the brother
of Baha'u'llah, concealed himself, and, a bewildered fugitive, in the
guise of a dervish, with ka_sh_kul in hand, wandered in mountains and
plains on the road to Ra_sh_t. But Baha'u'llah rode forth with perfect
composure and calmness from Af_ch_ih, and came to Niyavaran, which was the
abode of the Royal Train and the station of the imperial camp. Immediately
on His arrival He was placed under arrest, and a whole regiment guarded
Him closely. After several days of interrogation they sent Him in chains
and fetters from _Sh_imiran to the jail of Tihran. And this harshness and
punishment was due to the immoderate importunity of Haji 'Ali _Kh_an, the
Hajibu'd-Dawlih, nor did there seem any hope of deliverance, until His
Majesty the King, moved by his own kindly spirit, commanded
circumspection, and ordered this occurrence to be investigated and
examined particularly and generally by means of the ministers of the
imperial court.

Now when Baha'u'llah was interrogated on this matter He answered in reply,
"The event itself indicates the truth of the affair and testifies that
this is the action of a thoughtless, unreasoning, and ignorant man. For no
reasonable person would charge his pistol with shot when embarking on so
grave an enterprise. At least he would so arrange and plan it that the
deed should be orderly and systematic. From the very nature of the event
it is clear and evident as the sun that it is not the act of such as
Myself."

So it was established and proven that the assassin had on his own
responsibility engaged in this grievous action and monstrous deed with the
idea and design of taking blood revenge for his Master, and that it
concerned no one else. And when the truth of the matter became evident the
innocence of Baha'u'llah from this suspicion was established in such wise
that no doubt remained for anyone; the decision