Baba sometimes held their hands and often asked them what they were thinking.
The next morning, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Herbert left Devonshire. Baba and several others walked a distance with them as they departed. Baba gave Herbert his scarf and an orange to eat on the train, which he later ate, peel and all!
During this stay, Meredith was the manager of the retreat and would keep those visiting strictly submissive to his wishes. Even Rustom and Chanji were not spared his dictums. Some of the lovers resented Meredith's behavior when the Master himself was staying with them, and Kitty asked Baba once, "Why is a medium required to see God?"
Baba dictated, "It will take more than an hour for me to explain it to you. But," he added, "Meredith is not any different from any of you, nor is he a medium. And it is not as you think. No third party is required to take you to the Goal."
Despite Meredith's disapproval, Baba spent time with his devotees walking on the beach, climbing the cliffs, and playing games like cricket, carrom, Ping-Pong and tiddlywinks with Ali, Zilla, Kitty and Kenneth Ross. All were enchanted to be in Baba's company.
Supplementing these close ones staying at the retreat, outsiders were permitted to come and meet the Master during the ten days he stayed at Combe Martin. For the most part, however, Baba's visit was kept secret and no event resembling a public darshan was scheduled. Those who came were either relatives or acquaintances of those who were already devoted to Baba.
One day Baba explained at length about creation, rebirth and God-realization. He ended by stating:
Let these matters not be a headache to you. All this is only by way of explanation. Don't rack your brains over it. Love is supreme and only love counts. However much you read, hear or understand about spirituality, it does not lead you to Knowledge. Knowledge is a totally different thing and it can only be gained through love — love, pure and steadfast.
On Friday, 18 September 1931, Baba went hiking with the group to see a cave. A discussion thereupon ensued about photographs being taken. One was taken of Baba holding a lamb. Meredith said that a photograph of Baba should be taken in a natural pose, wearing only his sadra, and then one of Baba with the group.