So they got down at the next station and caught another train to Mettupalaiyam. Baba scolded Padri severely for his carelessness. (Padri later aptly described it as "being whipped by the lash of Baba's words!") Not only was Baba in an irritable mood, but he was also suffering indigestion and diarrhea. He had begun to pass watery stools as soon as they had left Madras, but, though his health suffered, he wanted to continue the journey.
They left for Mettupalaiyam at 12:45 P.M. on 6 August. The tracks were now meter-gauge, and the train they boarded was a tiny mountain train with only first and third class compartments. It climbed the mountainous ascent very slowly, thus allowing them to view the picturesque scenery of the Nilgiris Mountains (which means the Blue Hills ). Unfortunately, cold winds were blowing and all soon felt chilled.
When they reached Ooty at 3:30 P.M., it was even colder and all were shivering and feeling stiff. Behramji and Padri went to the market to buy dal and vegetables, but could find neither, so a meal of bread and dry roasted chickpeas had to suffice. Baba had a fever and it was decided to return to Coonoor, stay there for the night, and the next day walk back to Mettupalaiyam. They left Ooty at 6:20 P.M., reaching Coonoor at 7:45 P.M.; but due to fog, it was pitch-dark and there was only one kerosene lantern on the railway platform. There they ate dinner in a Hindu restaurant. They spent the night in the railroad compartment, as the train was not going further. Due to his fever, Baba tossed fitfully throughout the night.
Even though Baba was in poor health, the journey was not postponed. At 7:20 the next morning, they started on foot for "Petroleum," 21 miles away. After descending several miles, they rested for a while near a small village, where the mandali made a meal of bread and cheese.
Baba, feeling too ill to eat, acidly remarked, "Don't you see, I am suffering? I have not eaten anything since yesterday. I had no sleep at all during the night. You men not only rested and refreshed yourselves but are now having your fill. Have some thought for me!"
He then turned to Padri and said sharply, "Never become a Baba!"
This remark and Baba's others about crushing his own "Baba-hood" were aimed at Baily. It was a warning for the future, as we shall see.