What happened after Damu Anna received the disappointing reply from Shirdi, and what was his next course of action?

After Damu Anna's hopes were shattered by Sai Baba's written reply, he did not give up entirely. As Chapter 25 narrates, the letter he received also contained a hint from Madhavrao suggesting, "There is a difference between hearing and seeing; you should come here in person." Taking this advice to heart, Damu Anna decided to travel to Shirdi. He thought that perhaps there would be a benefit in a personal visit and that Baba might grant him permission face-to-face. Upon arriving, he approached Baba, prostrated, and began to massage his feet, but the text notes that he initially "had no courage to ask" his question again.