She entered a fortlike complex constructed of concrete blocks built into the foot of a mountain on the outskirts of Taxco. Except for a heavily fortified room where the silver was kept, the floor was clean-swept earth, the furnishings spare. The Toribios, a family of Mixtec Indians, unlocked a huge Liberty Presidential safe bricked into the wall and set forth beautifully handcrafted silver jewelry on primitive tables covered with black velvet—none of the mass-produced stuff vendors hawked back on the zócalo in Taxco. As she inspected various pieces the whole clan looked on—five adults and numerous children. Two refrigerator-sized iron boxes with mirrors stood against opposing walls; she suspected guards behind one-way glass. A boy of around ten trailed at her side, copying her selections in a spiral notebook. When her order was complete, she carefully compared it with the boy’s notes, then left a deposit. She shook hands with everyone, including to their delight the smaller children.
