Mesca

Mesca works so furiously that a concrete dust cloud forms, turning his face ashy white, like the ash-covered office workers fleeing the fallen towers on Sept. 11, 2001.

In Haiti's shattered capital, metal scavengers take to the streets Manuel Roig-Franzia 2010

Mesca works in bare feet -- his soles sturdier than any tattered flip-flops.

In Haiti's shattered capital, metal scavengers take to the streets Manuel Roig-Franzia 2010

Mesca says, pointing at Rousier's surprisingly glistening smile.

In Haiti's shattered capital, metal scavengers take to the streets 2010

Mesca crushes concrete slabs with heavy hammers and wrests the metal out, straining to rip it away.

In Haiti's shattered capital, metal scavengers take to the streets Manuel Roig-Franzia 2010

Mesca rages at him, but it's hard to stay mad at Rousier long.

In Haiti's shattered capital, metal scavengers take to the streets 2010

He and Mesca all turn to Rousier, who shrinks under their glare, confessing he let another scavenger -- someone he'd never met -- borrow it.

In Haiti's shattered capital, metal scavengers take to the streets 2010

Mesca starts collecting tools, but stops abruptly.

In Haiti's shattered capital, metal scavengers take to the streets 2010

Bewildered, Mesca accepts her offer: 420 Haitian gourdes, the equivalent of $12.

In Haiti's shattered capital, metal scavengers take to the streets 2010

Mesca is illiterate, and Rene's calculations confuse him.

In Haiti's shattered capital, metal scavengers take to the streets 2010

On this day, though, Mesca, Rousier and their friend Wilio Petit-Home find an uncontested hunting ground.

In Haiti's shattered capital, metal scavengers take to the streets Manuel Roig-Franzia 2010