ressive and interesting ceremony was performed at the house by a
Zoroastrian (a physician), who sent an elaborate telegram to some Parsis
in Bombay, saying: "The Torch of Truth has been lighted again in the East
and the West by 'Abdu'l-Baha." Instructed by his brethren, this follower
of one of the most ancient religions in the world had brought with him a
sacred oil of a rare perfume, with which he anointed the head and breast
of 'Abdu'l-Baha, afterwards touching the hands of all present. He then
placed around 'Abdu'l-Baha's neck and shoulders an exquisite garland of
rose-buds and lilies.

The last glimpse which the friends had at Victoria Station was that of the
venerable face and form standing at the window, gazing out with a look of
benevolence and wonderful tenderness on those he was leaving.

FROM AN INTERVIEW GIVEN BY 'ABDU'L-BAHA TO THE WEEKLY BUDGET.

September 23rd, 1911.

SOME OF THE EXPERIENCES OF HIS FORTY YEARS IMPRISONMENT

In an apartment in Cadogan Gardens sits a spiritually illumined Oriental,
whose recent advent in London marks the latest junction of the East and
West.

The teaching of 'Abdu'l-Baha has already brought about the commingling of
thousands of Englishmen and Englishwomen with Orientals from every quarter
of the East. Upon the basis of mutual help and friendship and the worship
of God, regardless of creed and denomination, they have joined hands with
an earnestness and brotherly love contrary to the theories of certain
cynical poets and philosophers.

Most of 'Abdu'l-Baha's life has been spent in an Eastern prison, which he
gladly endured rather than abjure his faith, one of the tenets of which is
the absolute equality of souls regardless of physical differences, such as
sex and colour. He recognizes no class distinctions except those conferred
by service and the spirit of brotherly love. For this and other like
doctrines he was held prisoner for forty years in the fortress city of
Akka, in Palestine. When I requested to talk with him, I was told to come
early, and called, according, at nine o'clock, for an interview. It was
already mid-day to 'Abdu'l-Baha who rises at four, and who had seen
eighteen people before his breakfast at half-past six.

Representatives of many languages and nationalities awaited him in the
drawing room.

We sat in a circle facing 'Abdu'l-Baha who inquired if there were any
questions we would like to ask. I said m