How did Sai Baba explain his presence at Dev's ceremony when confronted with Dev's letter?

When Jog presented Dev's letter of complaint, Baba explained that he had, in fact, attended the Udyapan ceremony exactly as promised. According to chapter 40, Baba revealed that he came in the guise of a Sanyasi, first appearing alone and then returning with two other companions for the meal. He instructed Jog to tell Dev, "You did not recognize Me! Why then did you call Me?" Baba emphasized that he keeps his word, stating he would rather die than have his words prove false. He clarified that although he did not physically travel from his location in a worldly sense, he was present and ate at the feast, fulfilling his promise to the letter.