Rano went downstairs to the kitchen and, with Irene's help, found the stove (which used wood and coal) had not been properly banked. Baba also went to the kitchen with Kaka and then returned to his room after all the windows were opened and things put right.
Rano retired for the night but was soon awakened again by Kaka's knock on the door. When she opened it, Kaka said, "Baba wants you to have another look through the house to make sure everything is safe and secure." Rano did accordingly and sent word through Kaka that everything was fine.
Soon after, Kaka again knocked on Rano's door with the same message. This went on the whole night and Rano learned to do as Baba ordered, without any question of why or wherefore, thus ignoring her mental reactions and letting her wish to obey and please Baba's wish remain foremost.
Keeping nightwatch by Baba was truly an arduous task. The slightest movement or sound was forbidden. One could not cough or sneeze or even go to the toilet to relieve oneself. In India mosquitoes would bite, but they could not be waved away for fear of making noise which would disturb Baba. Nightwatch was especially difficult for an older man like Kaka who would not be able to relieve himself at night. It was extremely trying to be on watch by Baba, although certain men were able to do it by Baba's training. It is difficult to imagine the hardships involved with serving the Master until one has attempted it.
Margaret and Mabel arrived from London on the morning of Thursday, 26 August 1937. Mabel stayed in Cannes, but Margaret had to leave within a few days.
The Master would accept monetary gifts from time to time only from his closest or proven disciples.1 New people would offer him money, but he would usually refuse it. Someone sent a check to Cannes made out to " Meher Baba. " Baba endorsed it on the back as M. S. Irani, but the branch of the Bank of Marseilles refused to cash it until it was endorsed by "Meher Baba ." Therefore, on 26 August at Capo di Monte, Baba had Chanji hold the fountain pen and Baba then held Chanji's hand and guided it to write his signature as Meher Baba in blue ink. Accompanied by Norina and Chanji, Baba was driven by Hedi to the Thomas Cook office and the check was given.
Footnotes
- 1.Baba once explained to Adi Sr. that he did not take money from certain persons because the sanskaras that went into obtaining the money would come along with the money when given.