Despite his initial disappointment with Baba's reply, what prompted Damu Anna to travel to Shirdi?

Although Damu Anna was very crestfallen after receiving Sai Baba's discouraging reply, a small detail in the communication gave him a new sense of hope. According to Chapter 25, the letter he received also contained a hint from Madhavrao (Shama) that "There is a difference between hearing and seeing; you should come here in person." Following this suggestion, Damu Anna decided it was right to go to Shirdi. He traveled there with the thought that there might be a benefit in a personal visit and that perhaps Baba would reconsider and give him permission for his venture face-to-face.