Hequ

— A few months ago, however, hope came to the boys and girls of the region. The Provincial Government of Suiyan had sent word that all young people who could escape into Free China could go to school at government expense. Between Suiyan City and Hochu, where the refugee students were to gather, lay nearly four hundred miles of unknown country, mostly desert. Those undertaking the journey must first cross the Yellow River which separated occupied territory from Free China, and the river was strongly patrolled by the enemy.