According to Chapter 0, who were Sai Baba's earliest devotees in Shirdi, and what was their role in the village?

The introduction in Chapter 0 identifies Sai Baba's earliest devotees in Shirdi as Mhalasapati, Kashiram Shimpi, and Appa Jagle. Mhalasapati, a goldsmith, was the first to meet and name him "Sai Baba." He then introduced Baba to his companions, Kashiram and Appa. These three men were known in the community for their hospitality towards saints, Gosavis, Bairagis, and Fakirs who frequently visited the busy village of Shirdi. They would serve and look after these visitors according to their capacity. All three became total devotees of Maharaj, with Kashiram and Appa eventually passing away on the auspicious Ekadashi day.