An Ambush For Zorro - Shot At

He urged his black into a lope, then a slow gallop, and kept Vallejo’s mount beside him. Sounds of Garcia and his troopers came nearer. But now Zorro was beyond the slippery hill, and got more speed out of his own mount and Vallejo’s.

Around a curve, they went on at still greater speed. And toward them Zorro saw coming the man on the riding mule, who had ridden to town to warn Vallejo. He pulled the mule to one side as the riders bore down upon him. Too late he realized they were Vallejo and a masked man.

Zorro lashed with his whip again. Vallejo’s horse got part of the blow and sprang forward with added speed. But Zorro sent the black after him, and reached out to grasp Vallejo’s reins. They came to the plaza, and some peons scattered out of their path. In front of the tavern, Zorro pulled both mounts to a stop. The tavern door opened, and a streak of light shot out to mingle with the bright moonlight.

Zorro toppled Vallejo from his saddle. As the soldier yelled for help, Zorro cut him with the whip again. Men rushed from the tavern to see the punishment.

Garcia and his troopers were almost to the plaza now. Zorro whipped out a pistol and sent one shot over their heads. As they scattered to right and left, he spurred the black and dashed across the corner of the plaza, turning toward the mouth of the highway leading to San Juan Capistrano.

Pistols exploded behind him and bullets flew, but none came dangerously near. He bent low and rode furiously. A glance behind showed him that Garcia and his troopers were coming on, except one man who had stopped beside Vallejo.

Out the road a short distance, where there was a curve with high banks on either side, Zorro left the highway, rode behind a fringe of brush, and doubled back as Garcia and his men raced along the highway below him.

He got down into a depression and followed it carefully, circling to an old cattle trail. This he followed back toward the town. He swung wide as he approached, to come in from another direction. And in time he came to where Bernardo waited for him.


- An Ambush For Zorro