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(Turning to Harry Hartshorne, Elizabeth's nephew, who had just arrived): Harry has a little bit of love for me. I love him more; maybe some day he might love me very much. No more recitations from anyone? Don Stevens, what are you thinking?" Don was gazing at the group of children at Baba's feet, "I am thinking about the curler still in that little girl's hair. "'It seems you have not forgotten the discourse on 'the Hair and the Head of God!' " Baba replied. "At my house this afternoon I permit the boys to come if the men are happy about it. I feel happy in their company. What do you say, Ben?" Ben approves. "Ben says, 'Yes, they can come.' Last night I asked Nariman to telephone that no one should go out off the beaten paths."
Nariman said he forgot to phone. "Wonderful!" Baba said. "It is not Nariman's fault; it’s because he missed yesterday's performance by being at Wilmington. I want you to remember not to move about here and there in the dark off the paths. If you see a snake don't be afraid. Repeat Baba's name and if it bites you don't be nervous, say 'BABA' with all your heart. This reminds me: yesterday in my house I told Kitty, Margaret and Elizabeth what happened once in Meherabad. The other day I told you about Kaikobad who has spiritual sights, experiences, feels my presence; he stays all the time with me in Pimpalgaon. When I shift to other places, Kaikobad goes with me, and his family (wife and daughter) stays at Meherabad on the hill. Seventeen years have passed and they stay always upon the hill, handling their own affairs. The only thing they do is: love Baba. There is one other lady there whose name was Mani, but there were so many Manis, I called her Mansari. Kitty, Elizabeth and Delia know her."
Elizabeth at Baba's request began the story, saying that cobras are known to enjoy inhaling human breath. Years ago. Baba gave Mansari a stick for protection against robbers; but she said, "Baba, the whole village reveres you, they would not dare to step into the ashram."
Baba continued, "Mansari is not the nervous type. She is afraid of absolutely nothing, only snakes, the sight of snakes. One night she awoke and there was a cobra on her chest. Her eyes met those of the cobra. I had warned her always that when in difficulties or emergencies to repeat my name with all her heart. But she was frozen with fear and for about five minutes could say nothing. Then she took in her hand that small stick and saying my name knocked the cobra off the bed. Then she saw it crawling up on the bed again! Then, repeating my name, she killed the snake with the stick.
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