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

276 THE GOD-MANto awaken him and bring him on to the platform where Baba spoke to him and made him stand until all thetranslations were finished.Baba got Padri to pat his back four times while the second version was read. Once he gesticulated for aglass of water, which was brought to him. He listened attentively to each reading. During the third reading,Baba was quieter, and expressed approval to Eruch. Deshmukh read the fourth version, and Baba askedEruch if everyone could hear clearly. Baba sat on the edge of the couch, then moved on to the steps. ThenBaba distributed prasad; the assembly broke up, and Baba went away.Thus was brought to a close what must have been the most remarkable experience in the lives of all whowere present. The Western group and the Indian devotees had many friendly talks before the latter left, butthe entire company dispersed with great rapidity. A large proportion of the devotees were young men, butthere were young and old, men of every type, a large assembly of deeply interested people. The quietnessand orderly behaviour of everyone throughout the two days was impressive; and simplicity, sincerity,absence of display and intense seriousness were notable characteristics. That Baba was in control wascertain, but so lightly and unobtrusively that it was hardly to be noticed.That evening the Western visitors left Meherabad on the hill in the evening from Ahmednagar by train toBombay, whence they were to travel to their homes by ship or air. Before we left Ahmednagar station Ilooked for someone with whom to spend the night's journey, and sought out Malcolm Schloss. There weretwo others in the compartment, so that there was room for one more and I got in. I thought I should like totravel with him, for I was not likely to see him any more, as he was to return at once to Los Angeles, I toLondon. We were in a second-class sleeping compartment, and though we got some sleep, much of thetime was spent in conversation about what had been taking place at Meherabad. Phillippe Dupuis andFrank Henrick were the other two, both interesting companions and the journey was an agreeable one.Malcolm went straight from the train to the airport. I had to stay in Bombay for a couple of days, waitingfor my BOAC flight. Baba's followers filled the time with kindness, and with Phillippe, returning to Paris,I spent some pleasant hours. I found the city rather less overpowering than before, but was glad to leave it.Indeed I was sick for home. I did not have the feeling that I was leaving Baba, who, I thought I mightnever see again; but I was leaving an overwhelmingly exciting