Two hours elapsed, but no lessening of the number of people in line was evident. Because it was an open darshan, none had been prevented from coming, and the rows of people contained rich, poor, educated, uneducated, both old and young, and villagers and city folk.
Eruch wiped perspiration from Baba's neck and brow.
At 4:30 P.M., Baba gestured, "At this rate, they won't be able to have my darshan. The Westerners will have no chance, either."
Kitty replied from the front row, "It is enough just to sit here and watch you."
Baba answered her, "It is one thing to see the ocean and another to dip your feet in it! Anyway, go on taking darshan of those taking darshan!"
Still the crowd seemed endless. At 4:45 P.M., Baba stated to the Westerners, "After a long time, I am giving my Poona lovers the opportunity to bow down to my feet. In January 1956, I gave my last public darshan in Poona. Today, I have again allowed the Poona public to come for my darshan. After they are finished, you will have an opportunity — if it doesn't rain."
To Harry Kenmore he remarked, "Your thoughts are on me within."
At 5:30 P.M. Baba announced, "It is impossible for all to come near me and bow down to my feet. The queue is in the same place where it was. You have been gazing at me all this time. Carry my form there in your heart and see it as often as possible."
The blind Harry Kenmore, guided by Christine Wise, walked through the long darshan line. Seeing him, Baba cracked, "You are a daredevil to go in the queue, but you are blessed for it!"
At six o'clock the gates of Guruprasad were closed, though the lines of those waiting for darshan still stretched far into the distance. Despite that, it took half an hour more before all those inside had filed past Baba. One American danced, Leonard Willoughby sang a song and finally, with one voice, all joined in the arti. At 7:00 P.M. the indescribable East-West Gathering concluded. "All of you, take me with you," were Baba's final words as he waved goodbye with an upraised arm.