Its reputation travels much further. Thus, when stall-holders on the left side of the street (stolen tyres, lead piping and gas cylinders only) noted Hàrélal's flash motor picking its way through the rubble, they were concerned less about who its occupant might be than about the possibility of finding a buyer for some of their illegal merchandise. They surrounded the car, shouting prices, wares and greetings, as in any normal market; they were used to visits from cut-throat builders, bent car dealers and government officials looking to make a quick buck or to demolish someone's residence on the cheap. Tanya was petrified but her nerve held and she managed to remain seated with the windows of her father's air-conditioned motor rolled safely up. Like any practiced buyer she had with her a bundle of notes and a bodyguard who doubled as her chauffeur. But she had not come to buy. Looking around, she noted the sagging roofs inundated with dirt yet used to spread freshly washed clothing; when she saw a ragged yellow flag flying above one house, the smile on her face transcended her fear and she leapt out of the car.
