One of the Bab's followers, a youth named Sadiq, had been so affected by the martyrdom of his beloved Master, of which he was an eyewitness, that his mind became deranged, and, in revenge, he waylaid the _Sh_ah and fired a pistol at him.

Instead of using a bullet, however, he charged his weapon with small shot, and although a few pellets struck the _Sh_ah, no serious harm was done.

The youth dragged the _Sh_ah from his horse, but was promptly seized by the attendants of his Majesty and put to death on the spot.

The whole body of Babis was unjustly held responsible for the deed, and frightful massacres ensued.

Eighty of them were forthwith put to death in Tihran with the most revolting tortures.