How did the people in Shirdi interpret Maharaj's agitated behavior, and what did it signify?

While Kashiram was fighting for his life against armed thieves, Maharaj was seen in Shirdi shouting, swearing, and exhibiting other signs of agitation. As Chapter 0 recounts, the people nearby who witnessed this did not perceive it as random anger. They immediately recognized it as a sign that a dear devotee was in great danger somewhere. They understood that Maharaj's agitation was a manifestation of his spiritual power being used to protect that devotee from harm. The text confirms their understanding, stating, 'all this agitation was to protect the devotee from that danger, and that is exactly what happened.'