|
Meanwhile the members of the Commission had, on a certain Friday, gone to Haifa and inspected the Bab's sepulcher, the construction of which had been proceeding without any interruption on Mt. Carmel. Impressed by its solidity and dimensions, they had inquired of one of the attendants as to the number of vaults that had been built beneath that massive structure. (271:1) Shortly after the inspection had been made it was suddenly observed, one day at about sunset, that the ship, which had been lying off Haifa, had weighed anchor, and was heading towards Akka. The news spread rapidly among an excited population that the members of the Commission had embarked upon it. It was anticipated that it would stop long enough at Akka to take Abdu'l- Baha on board, and then proceed to its destination. Consternation and anguish seized the members of His family when informed of the approach of the ship. The few believers who were left wept with grief at their impending separation from their Master. Abdu'l- Baha could be seen, at that tragic hour, pacing, alone and silent, the courtyard of His house. (271:2) As dusk fell, however, it was suddenly noticed that the lights of the ship had swung round, and the vessel had changed her course. It now became evident that she was sailing direct for Constantinople. The intelligence was instantly communicated to Abdu'l- Baha, Who, in the gathering darkness, was still pacing His courtyard. Some of the believers who had posted themselves at different points to watch the progress of the ship hurried to confirm the joyful tidings. One of the direst perils that had ever threatened Abdu'l- Baha's precious life was, on that historic day, suddenly, providentially and definitely averted. (271:3) Soon after the precipitate and wholly unexpected sailing of that ship news was received that a bomb had exploded in the path of the Sultan while he was returning to his palace from the mosque where he had been offering his Friday prayers. (271:4) A few days after this attempt on his life the Commission submitted its report to him; but he and his government were too preoccupied to consider the matter. The case was laid aside, and when, some months later, it was again brought forward it was abruptly closed forever by an event which, once and for all, placed the Prisoner of Akka beyond the power of His royal enemy. The "Young Turk" Revolution, breaking out swiftly and decisively in 1908, forced a reluctant despot to promulgate the constitution which he had suspended, and to release all religious and political prisoners held under the old regime. Even then a telegram had to be sent to Constantinople to inquire specifically whether Abdu'l- Baha was included in the category of these prisoners, to which an affirmative reply was promptly received.
(271:5)
|