“How will we get food?” Tristan asked. “Will they take credit cards?”

“We’ll use your money,” Tse said.

“They’ll take Hong Kong dollars?” Tristan questioned.

“Absolutely,” Tse said. “There is a black market for Hong Kong dollars throughout the Guangdong Province.”

“Do we have to worry about the authorities in this village?” Tristan asked.

“No,” Tse said. “There will be no police. Only in Shigi will there be police.”

Turning to Bentley, Tristan asked: “What do you see as our major problem being in the PRC? After all, we have visas.”

“Only two things,” Bentley said. “You have no entry stamp and no entry documents. Everyone must have a Baggage Declaration form. That is the form you must surrender when you leave the PRC.”

“But no one will hassle us while we’re here?” Tristan asked. “I thought the first walloper we came across would nab us.”

Everyone looked at Tristan curiously. “What’s the matter?” he asked.

“What’s a walloper?” Marissa asked.

“A policeman,” Tristan said. “Am I the only one who speaks English around here?”

Ignoring Tristan, Marissa addressed Bentley. “So we only have to be concerned about leaving the PRC?” she asked.

“I believe so,” Bentley said. “Foreign travel has become reasonably commonplace in China, especially in Guangdong Province. So no one should bother you. But without some help, you probably will not be able to cross back into Hong Kong or Macao. Without a Baggage Declaration and also without the usual things a tourist carries, like a camera, you’ll be considered smugglers and put in jail.”

“At least we’ll be safe,” Tristan joked. “Since we don’t have anything to worry about currently, let’s go to that village and get some tucker.”

“Food!” Marissa translated for the others.

Tse had been right. The villagers were eager to obtain the Hong Kong dollars. For what Tristan thought was a piddling amount, he treated all four to dry clothes and a hearty meal. Except for the rice, Marissa and Tristan did not recognize the food.

During the meal Marissa was reminded of Wendy’s comment that people in the PRC liked to stare. While they ate, it seemed as if everyone in the entire village came to gawk at the four strangers eating in the village common room.

When they had finished their meal, Tristan turned to Tse. “Do you have any suggestions for us as to how to get out of the PRC? Maybe you know how we could get a couple of these Baggage Declaration forms?”