THE GOD-MAN The Life, Journeys and Work of Meher Baba with an ...

THE FINAL DECLARATION 235Baba followed his custom of throwing four stones. He led us first to the place just below the top of the hillwhere there had been one of the cabins used during his seclusion and mast-work; this was where themandali had stayed during the daytime. The party followed Baba up to the summit where the other cabinhad been in which he had retired. He then led the way down the hill and into the patio of the house, wherehe said: 'The hill is now barren, but a time will come when there will be much construction there bydisciples.' He told us to sit quietly for five minutes, when there would be fruit juice to drink. One of thegirls appeared with a large shawl, which she carefully opened. Out of this, she drew an old patched coat,originally brown, now covered with patches of blue and black. Baba said that he had worn it steadily foreight years from 1921 onwards. This included his period of seclusion in the zhopdi in 1924. Eruch said thatafter Baba had stopped wearing the coat he used to change his clothes frequently, then would give themaway, but these things he would not part with; they had been shown today for the first time for many years.Even the mandali had not seen them for a long time.The next day, Friday, 17 September, Baba arrived at twenty minutes after nine, and apologized forbeing late. He said:"On very special occasions I hold prayer meetings with a few of my most intimate disciples.Today I shall hold one of these meetings so that you all may be included. So come down the hill with me."First, I want to tell you in a few words about Max. I have had a note from Charles asking me if I wouldsay something to explain his departure, for it has distressed him. In the interview he told me something weboth promised not to disclose, and gave a description of his state of mind since he met me two years ago.He then told me that he really did not want to come, but something had made him do so. 'And now, Baba',he said, 'I leave it to you whether to go immediately or to stay until the meeting.' I told him to go. He feltvery sad, but I told him to go immediately. He will accordingly leave Bombay on the 22 September. He isa very fine man, and I love him very much. Today he sent me a telegram saying 'Dear Baba, I humblyapologize for having disappointed you and ask your forgiveness'. I cabled in reply, 'Don't worry. My loveand blessings.' This I tell you because dear Purdom wanted to know why Max left."On the 20th we go to Sakori. Today Sarosh might take you to some place in the evening, but there areto be no more excursions from tomorrow. You will stay here and do as I instruct you. There is