How did Sai Baba explain his presence at Dev's ceremony when he was accused of not showing up?

When Jog presented Dev's letter of complaint, Sai Baba explained that he had indeed fulfilled his promise. According to Chapter 40, Baba clarified that while he didn't move from his physical location in a worldly sense, he attended the Udyapan in the guise of a Sanyasi. He reminded Jog that he had promised to come with two others, and he did exactly that. Baba stated he first appeared alone as a Sanyasi and then returned at noon with two companions for the meal, thereby honoring his word completely. He expressed that he would rather die than have the words from his mouth be untrue.