July 19, 1944

Dear Margaret,

The jeweler lives in a dusty, shambly storeroom. His bed is in one corner. The door to the store in kept closed, and the place is almost impossible to find, which is as he desires it. He won't do any work for you unless you make him feel like it. When I first took the charm in to have the link soldered, he abruptly announced that he couldn't do it, and he didn't know where it could be done. But I had been warned about him, and besides I know old people rather well. I engaged in some innocent conversation. In about two minutes he grabbed the charm out of my hand and proceeded to solder it. Your bracelet has a very tricky lock made of two coins. The second bracelet which is in the process of being engraved was made by a shy Mexican boy who takes care of our officers' quarters -- when we have such quarters. He has the usual Mexican talent for working with silver and hammered designs on coins. The result is rougher but in many ways better and more honest. He wouldn't take any money because I took care of him when he was sick. I polished the bracelet in the approved manner. I first used emery cloth, then tooth powder rubbed in with a toothbrush and finally silver polish.

Much love,

Herb