How did Sai Baba defend himself against Dev's accusation that he had been deceptive and broken his promise?

When confronted by Jog with Dev's letter, Sai Baba systematically dismantled the accusation of deception. According to Chapter 40, Baba first pointed out the flaw in Dev's logic, asking, "You did not recognize Me! Why then did you call Me?" He then recounted the events precisely, explaining that he first appeared in a Sanyasi's guise alone and then returned for the meal with two others, just as he had said he would. He emphasized his unwavering commitment to his word by stating, "Look, for the sake of My word, I would die; but the words from My mouth shall never be otherwise." By laying out the facts of his hidden attendance, Baba proved that the promise was kept and the failure was in Dev's perception, not in his own actions.