The Mark Of Zorro: The Curse Of Capistrano

"Instantly I was at the open door of the coach. I presented my pistol at his headand ordered him to hand over his fat purse-which he did. Then I spurred throughhis soldiers, upsetting several as I did so-""And escaped!" Don Carlos cried."I am here," assented Senor Zorro.The servant brought a tray of food and placed it before the highwayman,retreating as soon as possible, his eyes big with fear and his hands trembling, formany weird tales had been told of this same Senor Zorro and his brutality, none ofwhich was true."I am sure that you will pardon me," Senor Zorro said, "when I ask you to sit at thefar end of the room. As I take each bite, I must raise the bottom of my mask, for Ihave no wish to become known. I put the pistol before me on the table, so, todiscourage treachery. And now, Don Carlos Pulido, I shall do justice to the meal youhave so kindly furnished."Don Carlos and his daughter sat where they had been directed, and the banditate with evident relish. Now and then he stopped to talk to them, and once he hadDon Carlos send out for more wine, declaring it to be the best he had tasted for ayear.Don Carlos was only too glad to oblige him. He was playing to gain time. He knewthe horse the native rode, and judged that he had reached the presidio at Reina deLos Angeles before this, and that the soldiers were on their way. If he could hold thisSenor Zorro until they arrived!"I am having some food prepared for you to carry with you, senor," he said. "Youwill pardon me while I get it? My daughter will entertain you."Senor Zorro bowed, and Don Carlos hurried from the room. But Don Carlos hadmade a mistake in his eagerness. It was an unusual thing for a girl to be left alone inthe company of a man in such fashion, especially with a man known to be an outlaw.Senor Zorro guessed at once that he was being delayed purposely. For, again, itwas an unusual thing for a man like Don Carlos to go for the package of food himselfwhen there were servants that could be called by a mere clapping of the hands. DonCarlos, in fact, had gone into the other room to listen at a window for sounds ofgalloping horses.