Looking at this, we were inspired to try out our own skills and powers. So, one afternoon when it was not so hot and the public was also less, we surrendered to this inspiration. Paying one anna, Merwan purchased twelve rings and we shared six each. We started playing. Merwan went first and did not score, and then I went, but failed to score also. Joyfully criticizing each other, we left the place hurriedly. After a few days we once again started playing, and thereafter, played for three days more. In total, Merwan had lost four annas , but on the final shot, he recovered the entire amount. After that day, he never even went close to this game. The police raided the place after a few days' time, and we do not know what happened thereafter to the operator.
Baily described Merwan's nature as follows:
Merwan was of a benevolent nature and all his companions were extremely fond of him. He was our leader and acted lovingly toward all. He would settle any dispute among us amicably. If by chance we found him absent for a day, we would go to his home and inquire about him. In his style and conduct, Merwan was simplicity itself. He did not have a tinge of pride and knew not what arrogance was. From childhood, he was straightforward and liberal, more conscious of others' misery than his own. He was devoid of family pride or craving for name, fame, respect or honor. In his thinking he was clean and pure, and, from his boyhood, shunned the contact of girls or women, keeping himself aloof from them.
He was merciful toward any injured animal, and I remember once, when he found a dead sparrow in his house, he buried it with an elaborate funeral service and prayers.
He was always happy and cheerful and succumbed to the wishes of those who insisted on his compliance. I never saw him find fault with anyone and his sincere dictum was that all, in one way or another, were good. He chose friends who had a simple and candid nature. Rougher boys told him to shun these others' company, but he would turn a deaf ear to them and continue his association.
The one defect in his character — if it could be called a defect — was that if he was upset or troubled, never in his life would he confide in us.