The warm weather cut down their speed to two miles per hour. Baba and Ghani had blisters on their feet, to which Don applied gauze and adhesive tape.
Jokingly, Ghani said, "Don and Nilu totally led me astray. They said that Baba's health was such that he would not be able to walk for four or five miles."
Baba understood what Ghani was driving at, namely: "We should stop this walking business!" but he just smiled. Baba did not show the least sign of exhaustion, despite going back and forth between the men and women.
Sirur was only a third of a mile away when Ghani looked as if he were about to collapse. He found it hard to take another step. Baba lovingly approached him and motioned to Ghani to hold one end of Ghani's walking stick and blindly follow, without thinking of the distance remaining, as Baba led him, holding the other end. Baba continued to lead him, encouraging him that they were almost there. But, nearing Sirur, it looked as if Ghani would drop. He asked for water. Baba directed him to rest under a tree for fifteen minutes, and then gave him a sip of water, sprinkling some of it over his head. Thereafter, Ghani felt refreshed and resumed the walk. Sirur was now an eighth of a mile away.
Before reaching the town limits, Baba declared that he wished to be the first to cross the boundary, and everyone else should follow him. At that moment, it was found that Anna 104 was not present. He had walked ahead, and on Baba's instructions Don and Eruch went to look for him. However, they could not catch up with him, since he had already crossed the bridge at the entrance to the town.
Prior arrangements had been made for the group's stay in the dak bungalow; but since it was occupied that day by military officers, alternative accommodations were arranged for the night in a vacant movie theater, the Sri Mahadur Touring Cinema, opposite the bus stand. They reached it at half-past noon. The luggage truck with Pendu, Kaka and Nilu had already arrived, and they had prepared lunch.
Here Baba caught Anna 104 and scolded him, asking, "Why did you disobey? All had instructions to remain a furlong ahead of the women. Why did you go so far in advance?"
Baba forgave him but cautioned him not to do it again.
After they had eaten and taken rest, jalebis were brought to celebrate Nilu's escape from injury, and distributed to all by Baba with afternoon tea.