How was Sai Baba's reputation and the power of his Udi conveyed to the desperate family from Malegaon?

In Chapter 34, the reputation of Sai Baba is conveyed to the family through word of mouth at their lowest point. They heard of a 'famous Avaliya' (a great saint) living in Shirdi, known as Sai Maharaj, the 'King of Yogis.' The specific powers attributed to him were twofold: first, that he could 'truly heal diseases just by his sight,' and second, and more importantly for their situation, that if he 'applies Udi with his own hand, even incurable diseases perish.' This powerful testimony is what convinced the family, who had exhausted all other options, to undertake the journey to Shirdi, believing it was their only remaining way to overcome the calamity.