The audience applauded in agreement, but Merwan appeared shy and kept his eyes lowered. This was not the first occasion Merwan had caught the attention of the other hotel guests. At the fire-temple or at the hotel, people could not resist looking at him. The glow on his face was so bright and so magnetic that all noticed him and wondered who he was.
The days at Udwada were pleasant, and each of the young men enjoyed himself to his heart's content. The boys played music together and sang and danced.
From Udwada, the group traveled by train to Navsari, Surat and Broach along the western coast of India, staying for two days in each town. In Navsari (and elsewhere) they stayed at the Parsi dharamshala (rest house) and paid their respects at the fire-temple.
In spite of Merwan's prohibition, Baily soon entreated Merwan to allow him to have some whiskey. Merwan refused to compromise, despite several requests by Baily. Thereupon, Baily became fed up and threatened to leave for Poona, requesting that Merwan give him the return fare. Merwan was disgusted with his friend's behavior and decided that all should return home immediately.
The whole group, accordingly, returned to Bombay, where they stayed at a Parsi rest house called Panday's Dharamshala. In the afternoon Baily found Merwan outside sitting statue-like on a bench — without the slightest movement of either his limbs or eyelids. Baily was amazed by Merwan's peculiar appearance and called Khodu and Lattoos. Lattoos made a light remark about it, but Khodu went up to Merwan and said something to try to make him snap out of it. When his words had no effect, Khodu gently touched Merwan, who was startled and appeared to awaken as if from a deep trance. Soon after Khodu brought Merwan out of his strange state, Merwan wanted to have a contest. Each fellow had to stare into the other's eyes, and the first to look away was the loser.