As they
laid out their dolls on the sidewalk, the shoe seller recognized
them and asked them where their mother was with her beautiful cloth.
They told him of what had happened. Then Maria informed him that
all they had to sell today were these dolls. The shoe seller examined
the tiny dolls and puzzled over why someone would want such small
dolls. Maria piped up and said there was magic in the dolls. The
shoe seller laughed and said there was magic in his shoes too
but that wouldn't help them sell. "We shall see" said Maria, "we shall see."
As the day dragged on, sales were not going well, the market was almost closing for the day and they hadn't sold any dolls. They were both getting worried. As Maria began putting away her dolls, a man dressed in fine clothes and a large hat in a very soft slow vice that is typical of Guatemalans said "What are you selling?" "Just these little dolls," Diego said. "Magic Dolls!" chimed Maria. The man adjusted his hat and with a smirk said "Magic huh? I could use a little magic. I'll take them all!" They hurriedly wrapped up the dolls and he handed them a wad of money. "Thank you." said Maria. The stranger said, "Meeshba!" (you're welcome) and was gone before Maria could turn around and start bartering for how much change he would get back. She counted the money in disbelief. 6,600quetzals! (~$940) That's enough for us to live on for a year she exclaimed! She was not exaggerating.
Diego started jumping up and down at the thought of being able to eat tonight. He and Maria bought some food and then headed for home. As they walked, they chewed on Chicle which is a natural gum that comes from tree sap (that's where chiclets came from).
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