From Sai Baba's point of view, how did he fulfill his promise to Dev, and what was his response to being accused of deception?

As explained in Chapter 40, Sai Baba was surprised by Dev's accusation. He told Jog, 'He says I deceived him with My words of assurance; tell him, ‘You did not recognize Me! Why then did you call Me?’' Baba clarified that he had perfectly fulfilled his promise. He stated that he first appeared alone in the guise of a Sanyasi, and then, just as he had promised, he returned for the meal with two other companions. Baba strongly affirmed the inviolability of his word, declaring, 'for the sake of My word, I would die; but the words from My mouth shall never be otherwise.' For Baba, the promise was kept literally and spiritually, even if the devotee's perception was clouded.