Dawn was just breaking, but it was already quite hot. Ramjoo had come down with a sudden fever. The dirt road was rough; they walked on loose earth inches deep. Wearing the tough Pathani sandals, they had difficulty treading it. They rested for some time under the shade of a tree, but there was not the slightest breeze to relieve the oppressive heat. After further inquiry, they were told that the road they were on led far out of their way. The heavy load of utensils and grains weighed them down and, after covering only a short distance, they became so exhausted that they had to take rest again under a tree. Vajifdar had blisters on his feet, and Nervous began swearing at Ramjoo for suggesting this shortcut.
“”Baba then remarked, "True, it is Ramjoo's fault we have taken this road, and we are all irritated about it, but that does not mean Nervous should pick a fight! This is the very reason Khodadad's name was changed to Nervous!"
With Baba in the lead, the group resumed walking, but soon the quarrel between Nervous and Ramjoo became heated. Seeing both arguing back and forth, Baba started scolding them in a booming voice. He had been fasting for the last four to five months, taking only tea twice or thrice a day and fruit juice once, but he was walking and conversing as if he were out on a relaxing stroll. Whereas the men, though taking solid food twice a day, got so tired after a few miles that they could not even speak; it became harder and harder for them to tread onward. Although Baba had told them to repeat the name of God — calling on Him to give them strength and courage — it was now automatically coming from their lips, but in exasperation rather than devotion!
Before starting on the journey, Baba had said that their fez caps should be thrown away. The men were complaining about them; so to lessen their discomfort, Behramji reminded Baba twice about disposing of the caps, but he received no reply. At last they came to a river, and a short distance across was the town of Kaira. The mandali had hopes of quenching their burning thirst, but Baba ordered that no one should drink the river water unless he instructed otherwise. They had to remain content with splashing their faces and arms.
