Why would Sai Baba come in the form of a Fakir to Appa? What was the purpose?

According to the analysis in Chapter 33, Sai Baba appeared in the guise of a Fakir as a 'pretext for Dakshina.' Appasaheb had made a verbal commitment to give ten rupees, and this visit was a way for Baba to test that commitment and help him fulfill his promise. The text rhetorically asks that if it weren't for this reason, 'what flavor would come to the story?' This implies the entire event was orchestrated by Baba to teach a lesson about the importance of fulfilling one's word. For a devotee of 'undivided faith,' Sai is capable of granting any wish, and this story shows how he might intervene, even in disguise, to guide a devotee toward completing their spiritual obligations and strengthening their faith.