Baba had again forbidden anyone from sleeping on the train, and asked the mandali, instead, to enact a play. They had gone without proper food or rest for the past five days, and when they heard the request they stared at Baba, scarcely believing their ears.
Baba lambasted them, "You have failed to obey me. Not one of you even thought of carrying out my orders."
"That is not so!" they protested. "We were wondering what sort of play to stage in this crowded compartment."
"All right," Baba stated. "Think it over, discuss it and give the show tomorrow."
They reached Itarsi at midnight, where they had to change trains. The waiting rooms were full, so Baba and the mandali sat in a corner on the station platform.
At 4:00 A.M., Baba remembered Dr. Ghani: "I had given him some points on which to compose a ghazal, but he is gone. I wish the ghazal to be written now."
Ramjoo tried to write it but could not, since their train was about to arrive. They secured a compartment to themselves in the Delhi-Madras Grand Trunk Express.
On the train, Baba informed the mandali, "The play and ghazal should be ready today."
By evening, Ramjoo had completed the composition, and Dhake, Pendu and others performed the play. It was a mock murder trial, and Dhake being (and also acting the part of) a lawyer, defended the accused, who went scot-free. Baba highly enjoyed the drama. Thus, by keeping the men occupied, he kept everyone awake.
According to instructions, Nana Kher met them at the Nagpur station at noon on the 12th, with lunch for Baba.
Pointing a finger at Babadas, Baba asked Nana, "Who is this fellow?"
Nana could not recognize a clean-shaven, well-dressed Babadas, so Baba told him who it was.
Baba remarked to Nana, "Come with us; we will see about the ticket."
Nana was only too willing; but just as the train began leaving the station, Baba changed his mind and decided that he should get off.
They reached Madras on the evening of the 13th and stayed in a comfortable lodging house. They were all so tired that they went to sleep without eating dinner.
In the train, Baba had remarked, "Unless I accomplish certain inner work in Madras, you should not expect food or good sleep. I am going there for my special work, not for a picnic!"