Nine miles were covered by foot that day. They halted for the night in a mango grove one and a half miles from Nethaur.
Baba announced his desire to stay in Najibabad for a few days, and from there to proceed by train to Dehra Dun. The next morning, Adi, Ghani and Babadas were sent in advance by bus to locate a decent resting place at Najibabad, to contact persons who would be willing to give bhiksha during their stay there, and to arrange for someone to provide the train fare from there to Dehra Dun.
Resuming the journey at eight o'clock, Baba and the companions stopped in another mango orchard near Akbarabad at around 3:00 P.M., after walking thirteen miles that day. Many people collected there and gazed upon the companions with respect. "The procession was unique," Age observed, "and that was what interested and amazed people. Many walk on pilgrimages in India, but never had there been seen such a sight as this one. This caravan was the caravan of God, and something inexplicable drew people nearer for a closer look. They could not resist. For it was the caravan of the Avatar, who was now a gypsy and a beggar!"
On the way to Najibabad, Baba requested a glass of water. The women had neglected to fill Baba's flask that day, for he had not asked for water before then. Baba sent Eruch to a man drawing water from a well not far off. Eruch brought the water, and after touching Eruch's feet, Baba drank it and sent Eruch back with instructions to touch the feet of the man who had given it. In truth, Baba had stated he was thirsty only because of that man. He had to "give" him something inwardly, which he did through Eruch. No one can understand this work because it happens behind the veil. Only the Giver, the possessor of the treasure of Infinite Knowledge and Power, knows his work.
The land of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, thirsted for the Lord's sanctifying presence, and it received him with the utmost love. Although unaware of his identity, people were liberal and generous in giving alms, and there was not a place to which the companions went where they were driven away or came back empty-handed.
On Monday, 9 January 1950, leaving the mango grove near Akbarabad, the group journeyed eight miles and arrived in Najibabad. Thirty-eight miles had been covered on foot from Benares to Moradabad, and another 76 miles from there to Najibabad. Adi had arranged their stay in a garden where there was a platform. The spot was unkempt, but the women swept and cleaned it, and everyone liked the place. A few local women from town approached the women companions and requested that they not soil their hands in such work. They said there was a woman sweeper who would do it.
