OF COURSE I KNEW

Baba had ordered Dina not to allow anyone to touch his food while she was preparing it, and she was usually vigilant not to let any of the servants or other ladies help her. One day, however, a devotee of Baba's came and, though Dina discouraged her, the woman sliced an onion. When Dina presented the meal, Baba scornfully remarked, "Today, I don't want your food."

Dina was taken aback, and then Baba inquired, "Tell the truth. Has anyone touched any of the ingredients today?" Dina then understood and admitted what had happened. Baba reprimanded her for disobeying him, but then forgave her and ate the meal. Afterward, Dina asked Baba, "How did you know that someone had touched something? Were you here when the food was being cooked in the kitchen!"

Baba spelled out, "Does it behoove you to ask such silly questions? Of course I knew; that onion in the food told me what had happened. That is how I came to know about it." This made Dina burst out laughing, but thereafter she was more cautious when preparing Baba's food and in carrying out his orders.