The Mysterious Don Miguel - Outdraw

He said it bravely enough, but, even as he said it, Capitán Gonzales was worrying a bit. He had heard tales of Zorro's swordsmanship, and now he had the feel of Zorro's blade, and knew the tales were true. The perspiration popped out on his forehead as the horses circled in the moonlight, and they continued fighting.

From the corner of his eye, Señor Zorro saw one of the dismounted troopers drawing near, holding a sword ready. His left hand brought his pistol from his girdle, and as his horse wheeled, he fired. The trooper gave a screech and fell.

"I am fighting an army," Zorro said.

"Stand back! This man is mine!" Capitán Gonzales howled.

He started to press the fighting, while some watched the mounted combat from the distance, and others were too busy fighting themselves to care what happened to their capitán. Zorro's big black was forced backward a distance, and they turned, and Zorro forced the fighting in turn.

"I did not like your manner when last we met," he said. "I cannot change that, but I can make of you a thing the ladies will despise."

"Fight, rogue!" Gonzales howled.

"I have no wish to kill you, capitán. To disgrace you will be enough."

He pressed the fighting again, and suddenly the capitán’s blade flew from his hand to strike the ground a short distance away. The capitán, mad with rage, dropped a hand to get his pistol. Zorro had discharged his, and it was empty.

"You would fight unfairly?" Zorro cried at him. "This must be your punishment, then."

His blade darted forward. Capitán Gonzales felt scorching fire on his cheek. A cry of rage escaped him, for he knew what had been done to him. He would bear that jagged letter Z, the mark of Zorro, to the grave with him.

Then Zorro was bending from the saddle, clasping him and tearing the pistol away, to hurl it to the ground. He tossed Capitán Gonzales out of his saddle and to the ground also, gave a wild laugh, wheeled his horse, bent low, and raced down the canyon.

"After him! Shoot him down! Do not let him escape!" Capitán Gonzales was screeching, as he struggled to get back into the saddle again.

Madly, Zorro rode, the big black horse hurdling rocks and clumps of brush. Behind him, pistols barked, and bullets flew near him, but none struck home. He approached another and larger clearing, and saw trouble ahead.


- The Mysterious Don Miguel, Chapter 12