Based on the initial verses of Chapter 29, what was the reputation of Sai Baba that drew pilgrims to Shirdi?

The beginning of Chapter 29 portrays Sai Baba as a great saint whose reputation for generosity and compassion was widespread. Devotees heard that he was patient, generous, and self-controlled, with a special compassion for pilgrims. His fame spread "from ear to ear," particularly regarding his practice of abundantly distributing money. People learned that he would give daily to the poor and needy, sometimes ten or fifty rupees at a time, and would even give to wayfarers when the thought occurred to him. This reputation as a Maharaj of generous disposition, steadfast in charity, is what developed the desire for his darshan in people, like the group from Madras who came to Shirdi.