The Mysterious Don Miguel - One Shot

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."


- The Mysterious Don Miguel, Chapter 12