THE DESCENT OF BOLSHEVISM
confines of Persia. One fortress after another fell before them, castle and palace were razed to the dust, cities were sacked and destroyed, and Alamut and Euknuddin were treated to a general massacre that sent the shivers down the spine of Assassindom. Thus the dynasty of Hasan ibn Sabah was completely overthrown in Persia.
But the Syrian branch, which was established during Hasan's time, was still beyond Hulago's power. It continued, even after the fall of Ruknuddin and the capture of Alamut, to be a red terror to rulers and princes as well as to the Crusaders. The reign of the dagger in Syria was based on the principle of absolute impartiality. It made no distinction between Mohammedans and Christians, Orientals and Europeans. The followers of Bahram, the Syrian Old Man of the Mountain, practiced the most unspeakable atrocities against the inhabitants as well as against those in power. Carrying off women and children from the streets in open day, was
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