He also explained, "However witty one may be and try to force his ways on me, I am infinitely clever. I always have my own way. Why do I want a boy around me? They are a medium through which I work. They are innocent and pure. I use women for certain work and men for other work.
"Sinners and saints are alike to me. So why should saints alone come and not the sinner? Oh that would be dull! Rather the sinners have a greater right to come to me."
Meanwhile Meredith and Margaret Starr were called from Devonshire to accompany Baba to America, and Quentin Tod was also asked by Baba to join the group.
Kitty had found a boy for Baba's work and the lad spent the first night in Baba's room. But the next morning, Baba sent him away, finding him unsuitable. Baba said he would instead take a dog with him to America. That day, 10 May 1932, Baba, Adi Sr., Delia and Minta visited a pet shop to find one. Baba didn't like any of them, so the owner offered to bring several other dogs to the Fellowship Club. He did so, but when he quoted the ridiculously high price of £100, none were chosen.
Baba then sent Quentin to buy a puppy and he found a black mongrel pup Baba liked.1 Baba named it Mikko (after Kimco). He kept it with him for one night and then gave it to Delia to look after. (Six months later, Mikko was run over and killed.
However, prior to this Baba had written to Delia, "Remember, Leyla, no one is to worry for Mikko. It is all my work and due to my key." )
During Baba's stay in London, Quentin brought a 33-year-old Polish-born British writer named Rom Landau to the Fellowship Club. He was taken to Baba's room one morning. Baba was sitting in the middle of the room in an easy chair, wearing a dressing gown, house shoes and a wool scarf.
Landau asked several questions during his 45-minute interview, but Baba would repeatedly respond, "Your question requires a more elaborate answer and a longer discussion. I shall have to write the answer to you in a day or two."
Footnotes
- 1.Leyla was a nickname given by Baba to Delia.