What was the initial attitude of some skeptics towards Sai Baba, and how did it change after they met him?

Initially, some people approached Shirdi with significant pride and skepticism. As described in Chapter 35, they held the belief that worshipping a God with form was an illusion and that saints were merely human. They resolved to visit Sai Baba but were firm in their decision not to bow at his feet or offer any monetary offerings (Dakshina), believing that a saint's desire for wealth diminishes their saintliness. However, the chapter explains that this firm resolve would inevitably crumble. Upon receiving Sai's Darshan, these individuals would forget their previous logic and pride, surrendering completely at his feet and remaining devoted thereafter.