After tea, Baba took about fifteen of them for a walk along the cliffs, informing them, "We will get good exercise today, climbing up and down the cliffs, which I always like to do whenever near them. So remember, be with me wherever I go. Stay near me and don't get separated. Keep together."
After looking at the beautiful Italian sky, Baba took them down a steep cliff to the sea. They were all together up to a certain point, but then some began to lag behind due to their usual chatter. At the last descent to the sea, some stayed back because the incline was too steep and dangerous. Only Baba, Herbert and Vivienne reached the bottom. When Baba did not see the others, he loudly clapped for them to join him. Anita came fast and the others tried to follow slowly, but they could not make it down. Quentin suggested they turn back, so the others retraced their steps, rejoined Quentin and Mabel at the top and returned to the villa.
Instead of returning the way they had come, Baba said they would take a shortcut and he began climbing back along another ridge. Nimble and light-footed, Baba scaled the smooth, rocky surface, and Herbert, Vivienne and Anita had no choice but to follow. Baba was gentle with the young ladies, helping them over the difficult spots by stretching out a hand to pull them up. Herbert thought that this venture was symbolic of following the Master under all circumstances, even in the face of danger, and he boldly climbed upward, confident of Baba's protection.
Halfway up, however, they realized they were stuck along the cliff. There was no clear and easy path to the top. Baba and Herbert tried several maneuvers, leaving the ladies to wait, but there was nothing but sheer rock face above them and both sides had an almost straight drop to the sea!
Herbert attempted one climb for nearly 20 minutes, hanging on to roots and branches as he did so. His heart beat wildly, but his efforts were futile. There was one small path, but a big rock overhang stuck out fifteen feet, blocking the way. Baba attempted it and scampered up, scattering earth behind him. He clapped his hands for Herbert to follow and then disappeared out of sight.
Baba's last signal had been for them to come up, so Herbert told Vivienne to come. She tried valiantly, but her strength was slowly ebbing.