"I have no time," Eruch answered. "Send your chief here. I have not broken any law. If he will not come, I will see him after finishing my work."
So both constables returned to the police station.
While Eruch was on his way to the second shop with the head person of each needy family, a police inspector with the two constables confronted him. The headman, pointing to Eruch, told the inspector, "He's the ruffian!"
Eruch then began to understand, and going to the second shopkeeper asked him, "What's going on here? Is there some enmity between you and the headman?"
"That is true, but it is not my fault," the man replied. "Though I do not do anything to provoke him, he is jealous of me."
Eruch asked, "Then would you have any objection if our program is carried out at his house? My elder brother would first come to your shop, and then distribute his love-gifts to the families selected at the headman's house."
The shopkeeper said, "I would not mind at all. I only wish that your work be done." Eruch complimented him for his cooperation and approached the headman.
The police inspector intervened and asked Eruch, "What is going on?"
Eruch said, "You will come to know."
He then requested that the headman set aside a room for the work, and a room was put at his disposal. Baba came from Gulbarga that same day, 30 October, with Pendu, Gustadji and Baidul. Without his identity being disclosed to the local people, Baba began his work with the poor of this village. One by one they stood in line, and touching the feet of the person representing each family, Baba handed each Rs.50.
The program had a harmonious ending. The headman felt ashamed that he had tried to stop Eruch and repented for his behavior. After the program, Eruch asked the police officer, "Have you anything further to ask?"
The inspector said, "I apologize. All these complications arose because of the rivalry between the two shopkeepers."
Because of the political unrest in the Hyderabad area at that time, and to avoid any trouble along the way, the police had been informed in advance of Baba's foot journey. Eruch asked the inspector, "Have you had any special circular from your commissioner regarding the movements of Meher Baba in the area?"
"As a matter of fact, yes, we have received it."