Baily was irritated and impatient, reminding Merwan of the urgent nature of their errand, but Merwan waved away Baily's repeated protests not to get involved and to leave the bum lying where he was. Finally, Baily left in impatience, complaining that any help would be in vain.
Merwan had the man admitted to a hospital through the intervention of his own family's physician. Merwan had the man's soiled clothing removed and burnt and gave him a hot bath, along with new clothes. For two months until the sick man recovered, Merwan nursed him and made sure he took medicine and nourishment regularly. When the doctor pronounced him cured and permitted him to leave the hospital, Merwan helped find him a decent place to stay and work and visited him occasionally.
When Merwan was sixteen he had to resign as president of the Cosmopolitan Club, since he had to prepare for his matriculation examination. He needed to concentrate on his studies, and considering his other activities, it was not possible to continue as president. He had been the life of the club, and it was sad for the other boys to see him depart. Richard Dique was elected as president in his place. Soon after, the club disbanded because the other original members (the main contributors) also went on to higher studies or entered business after they graduated from St. Vincent's. Although the Cosmopolitan Club lasted only a few years, through it Merwan laid a foundation of idealism and selfless service among its members.
Whatever money remained at the dissolution of the club (from club dues, sale of furniture, books, magazines, game sets, et cetera) was first applied to pay the rent on the premises. A meeting was then called to decide how to use the balance. All proposed to leave the disposition of the amount to Merwan's good sense and discretion. At Merwan's suggestion, it was decided to use the money for the benefit of poor and needy families by providing them with grains, clothing, bedding and blankets for the winter. Because there was not enough to fully fund this noble philanthropic proposal, one of the boys proposed wagering the entire remaining amount at the horse track. "If it is in the destiny of the poor to win," the boy remarked, "then that is what will happen." Merwan approved the idea.
One afternoon after lunch, Merwan, Baily and two others went to the races at the Poona Turf Club.