A couple of days later, Diego and Felipe entered the town in a carriage, directed to the tavern.

Senorita Paula! Diego drew the young woman's attention from the terrace. My father sent some fresh beans and flour for Victoria. Where should we put the baskets?

Don Diego! Please, take them into the kitchen! Victoria's helper indicated with a smile.

Victoria is not here? Asked Diego at entering.

No, she is at the Cemetery, taking flowers to her parents' graves. Replied Paula. May I thank you for your generous gift by offering you and Felipe a plate of tamales? On the house, of course.

That is not needed, senorita. In fact, we have just eaten. Replied Diego

At least, let me offer you some lemonade! It is so very hot today and the tavern is almost empty right now, so I would most certainly appreciate the company and the opportunity to take a break! She insisted.

Well, in that case, some lemonade would be appreciated, Senorita Paula! Thank you! Confirmed Diego.

After leaving the baskets in the kitchen, the two men returned and sat on the terrace, waiting for Paula who did not take long to bring three glasses and a jar of lemonade.

You don't mind if I join you, do you, Don Diego? She inquired.

Not at all, Senorita! You are more than welcome! He replied, happy at the prospect of asking some questions about the detective.

It has been so quiet here today! I really don't understand why. She complained.

Perhaps it's the new tenant, the detective. My father tells me he has quite a reputation. Said Diego.

I wouldn't know about that, Don Diego. I find him to be a nice, polite man, although I don't understand his fascination with sitting at a table and looking at people. Besides talking to Sergeant Mendoza, that is the only thing the man ever does. She informed with undisguised surprize in her voice.

Well, maybe that's his process. Diego attempted to put her mind at ease.

Process? I might not be a famous detective, Don Diego, but I thought they should go around interviewing people and collecting evidence, not just sit and do nothing! She protested, making Diego smile.

I am afraid, Senorita, I don't know much more about detective work than you do! He declared. Although in the novels I read, they indeed, seem to do more than just sit in a tavern.

Don Diego? Paula suddenly changed the topic. Why don't you tell Senorita Victoria you are in love with her?

Diego looked puzzled as the question surely cought him by surprise.

I am sorry if I am being intrusive...Please, forget I asked you that! She apologized, letting down her gaze in embarrassment.

No...No...He replied, trying to consider his possible answers. The truth of the matter is, Senorita, that I do like Victoria very much. I believe her to be a very brave and generous woman. However, I am, unfortunately, not exactly her type.

Because you are not Zorro? She asked, raising her eyes and fixing him.

Diego confirmed her affirmation by nodding his head but his face would have told an expert detective quite differently.

The man is hard to compete with, you must admit! He added. But, Senorita Paula, while I may not have a chance to win her heart, Victoria has been a good friend to my family and I would rather remain her friend so...

Don't worry, Don Diego. I totally understand. Your secret is safe with me! She answered with a strange smile. Now, if you'll excuse me, senores, I will not inconvenience you any longer, as I do have a lot of work to do. Have a great day and thank you again for your gift! Paula said smiling as she left the table and reentered the tavern where the detective was the only person sat at a corner table.

She is quite an intuitive woman, Felipe! Diego said when she was gone. I must be more careful. If she realized how I feel about Victoria, a famous detective might have even fewer difficulties to figure it out and that is not the information I would want him to have.

Don Diego! Don Diego! Screamed Sergeant Mendoza who was riding with his men into town as he saw his friend. Gracias a Dios you are here, Don Diego!

What happened, Sergeant? Asked Diego as people begun gathering in the plaza.

As the noise was intensifying, both Paula and the detective came out of the tavern.

Don Demetrio has been shot! He is very bad, Don Diego and Doctor Hernandez is in Monterrey! Will you help him? Begged the Sergeant

Where is he, Sergeant? Inquired Diego

Right behind us, the lancers are bringing him by carriage. Said Mendoza

Paula, do you have a free room at the tavern? Diego turned to ask.

Si, Don Diego! Bring him in! She confirmed, running to prepare a rather small room downstairs.

The lancers brought the old man into the tavern and Paula guided them to an empty room where they laid the man on a bed.

The bullet is still inside! Diego pointed out after examining the wound. Paula, I will need bandages, towels, water and a sharp knife. Make sure to wash it well in boiled water and pass it through the fire to prevent infection. Felipe, please help her!

Right away, Don Diego! Submitted Paula

zzzzzz

Well, Don Diego? Will he be alright? Asked Mendoza an hour later, as he re-entered the tavern to see Diego coming out of the room in which he had just left his patient.

I believe so, Sergeant! Fortunately, the bullet did not go in too deep. He has just regained consciousness. Diego gave the good news and some of the people gathered around him sighted relieved.

Don Demetrio was a good man, one of the most respected caballeros of the pueblo and a friend of Don Alejandro.

Are you hurt, Diego? Asked Victoria with some concern at entering the tavern and seeing blood on Diego's shirt. What happened?

Don Demetrio was shot and Don Diego saved his life! An enthusiastic Paula informed her.

I merely removed the bullet. Replied Diego with some modesty in his voice. The wound was not fatal, fortunately. Sergeant, did you manage to catch the man who shot him?

No, Don Diego! He escaped before we got to the hacienda. Said the Sergeant.

Don Demetrio told me that it was one of his men, a certain Cortillo. Mentioned Diego almost casually.

Cortillo? Are you sure, Don Diego? Cortillo was there when we arrived. He said the man who shot Don Demetrio had escaped! Ay Dios! Lancers! Shouted Mendoza as he rashed out of the tavern

Now, since my services are no longer needed, I should return to the hacienda. My father might be worried! Said Diego. Senoritas, will you care for Don Demetrio tonight? I will check on him in the morning but tomorrow he should be well enough to return to his hacienda.

Of course, Diego! You can be sure he will be well taken care of. Victoria assured him.

As she said that, Diego greeted and left the tavern.

ZZZZZZ

That night, Zorro went after Cortillo. He traced him to a barn and, trying to surprise him, he dismounted his horse and silently approached the man.

Senor Cortillo! He said, when he was just a few meters away. I understand the good Sergeant is looking for you and I decided to lend a hand.

Zorro! The man exclaimed. I did not mean to shoot Don Demetrio, Zorro! You must believe me! As he said that, he rapidly took out a gun and pointed it towards Zorro.

And I should also believe you don't mean to shoot me, you point that gun out of mere courtesy. Zorro replied smiling.

I am quite sure the alcalde will not raise a hand upon me if I bring him his biggest enemy! Cortillo replied thinking at the prospect of collecting the 6000 pesos reward for Zorro's capture. Now, Zorro, put down your sword and turn around!

Zorro smiled at the man's unability to understand he was not in a position to ask anything.

I am afraid you are misreading the situation, senor. From what I see, you are outnumbered. The masked man warned.

You are but one man! Replied Cortillo.

Aaah, but I believe you are forgetting about my horse, senor! Said Zorro and, as he said that, he signaled his stallion and Tornado launched over the armed man, causing him to fire his gun into the ground.

A moment later, Zorro punched him so hard that Cortillo fell down, the pain too deep for him to be able to even move.

A man who attempts to take the life of his benefactor, senor, is but an ungrateful coward who fully deserves whatever our esteemed alcalde has in store for him! Zorro said.

As the fight was finished, Zorro tied up his prisoner, mounting him on his horse. He then mounted Tornado and brought Cortillo to the entrance of the pueblo where he let the horse continue on his own towards the garrison, just as the Sergeant and his men were dismounting at returning, empty-handed, from the night's chase.

ZZZZZZ

The next afternoon at the tavern, the Sergeant was telling the detective a story about Zorro.

Excuse me, Sergeant! Intervened Don Alejandro, who was at the tavern with Felipe. May I remind you that it was Zorro who captured and delivered to justice those murderers?

'Tis True, Don Alejandro, Zorro did help but it was I, Sergeant Mendoza who put them in jail!

Yes, you took them from the plaza, where Zorro left them well tied up for you, and walked with themto the jail! Or are you also going to assume credit for the evidence he provided you with in order to capture their leader? Asked Victoria.

What evidence, senorita? Inquired the detective.

Well, senor, I don't know exactly what it was. Said Mendoza. It looked like a very good small and quite exact painting in black and white, depicting the bandidos around a fire. It is how we knew who their leader was. It faded away after a while but they had already confessed by that point so it no longer mattered.

You mean to say Zorro provided you with a heliography? Asked Don Armando puzzled.

What is a heliography? Asked the Sergeant in return.

The detective smiled and got up from his table.

Sergeant, I want a list of all the educated caballeros in Los Angeles between the ages of... 26 and 50. Don Armando ordered.

Si senor, but may I enquire as to why? Asked the Sergeant.

Because, Sergeant, men like you have never even heard of heliograpfhies while men like Zorro seem perfectly able to take one. Now, if you'll excuse me, senores, I must get some rest. As he said that, the strange man directed himself towards his room, leaving everyone in silent consternation.

As soon as the door to his room closed, the people downstairs started talking again.

We fell right into that one, Victoria! Said Don Alejandro.

You don't really think Zorro is a caballero, do you? She asked, although she had also considered he might be since he had given her that ring.

I don't know, Victoria, but I sure don't like where this is heading! As he finished that statement, Don Alejandro he called for Felipe, who had also witnessed the entire scene, and left for his hacienda.

ZZZZZZ

Later that afternoon, in the cave, Diego sat pensively at his desk.

The moment the Sergeant informs De Soto about the detective's request, he will surely send his men to arrest everyone, me included. He told Felipe. The detective is getting too close. We need to derail him. But how can I do that from prison, especially surrounded by other caballeros?

Felipe! He said as an idea crossed his mind. I think it is time to see how you look with the mask! And a mustache, my friend! He added, smiling as Felipe's expression betrayed some mixture of intrigue and panic.

ZZZZZZ

Meanwhile, at the Alcalde's office, Mendoza finished the list of the young caballeros in Los Angeles.

Here is the list Don Armando requested, Alcalde! Said the Sergeant handing down a piece of paper.

26 men. Excellent! Well done, Sergeant! De Soto did not try to hide his content smile. One of these men must be Zorro! I finally have him in my grasp! Sergeant, gather the lancers!

Gather the lancers, Alcalde? What for? Asked Mendoza.

You will bring all these caballeros here tonight! De Soto clarified. I don't want to give Zorro any chance to escape!

But, Alcalde, the prison does not have enough room for so many people! Where will they sleep? Protested Mendoza, part of him fearing Zorro might, indeed, be on that list.

Sleep, Sergeant? De Soto's face was radiating. Why should they sleep? You see, depriving Zorro of sleep will certainly ensure his capture tomorrow! The detective will have no problem with getting the truth out of him once he will have spent a night cramped up in our jail!

Si Alcalde...But the Dons will not like this! They may pose us some problems...Mendoza tried to make him see reason.

Good, Sergeant! The more resistance you encounter, the more likely it is for the caballero in question to have knowledge of Zorro's identity, or to be the man himself! Get those men here at once, Mendoza! And make a list of everyone who resists arrest! De Soto continued.

Si Alcalde! Was all the Sergeant was able to utter as he left the office.

Finally, senor! I shall have you in my prison...De Soto whispered just for himself. And, soon, you shall hang from a noose and I will finally return a hero to my beloved Madrid!

ZZZZZZ

At the De la Vega Hacienda somebody was knocking on the door a little after midnight.

Are you expecting someone, father? Asked Diego, dressed in a robe, at exiting his room.

Certainly not, son! Who might be at such a time of night? Don Alejandro asked instead of replying.

Don Alejandro...Started the Sergeant as the man opened the door.

Something the matter, Sergeant? Asked Diego. Not another man shot, I hope!

Si, no, Don Diego, no one was shot. Said the Sergeant his face clearly showing he was dreading the task at hand.

Than, Sergeant, what is the matter? Asked Don Alejandro.

I...I am here to arrest Don Diego! Uttered Mendoza.

Arrest me? He asked faking surprise. Whatever for, Sergeant?

Well...for possibly being Zorro, Don Diego...It is the Alcalde's order. He tried to excuse his action.

Diego, Zorro? Has the Alcalde gone mad, Sergeant? Asked Don Alejandro infuriated.

No, Don Alejandro...it is not that we are suspecting of Don Diego. We are detaining all the caballeros in town between the ages of 26 and 50. Mendoza clarified.

I see! This is about that detective's request, isn't it? Concluded rather than asked Don Alejandro.

Yes, it is, Don Alejandro. The Alcalde wants to make sure Zorro doesn't escape. Said Mendoza.

But detaining them in the middle of the night...Don Alejandro protested.

It is alright, father! The Sergeant is just doing his duty. Diego tried to calm down his father. I will go get dressed, if you don't mind, Sergeant, and will be with you shortly.

Thank you for understanding, Don Diego. I am very sorry, Don Alejandro. Mendoza lamented his position.

Diego returned soon and accompanied the Sergeant to the prison where about 20 people were already protesting their incarceration. Five more Caballeros were brought in after Diego.

The next morning, interviews started in the tavern, at the request of the detective who, sat at his normal table, met with the men one by one. As he finished with each of them, the Sergeant returned the Caballeros to the jail. Diego's turn came around 6 PM, as it was getting rather dark. Felipe was monitoring for when Diego was to be taken to the tavern and, as he saw him taken there by the Sergeant and one of his lancers, he rode to the cave, dressed up as Zorro and headed toward the town mounted on Tornado. When he arrived at the main entrance, he made sure he was seen by the lancers and then started circling the pueblo at a safe distance, just as Diego instructed him.

At hearing that Zorro was there, the people in the tavern, including the detective, the lancer guarding Diego, Victoria and Paula, exited quickly to see what was going on. At that point, taking advantage of the fact no one was paying any attention to him, Diego changed into a Zorro costume Felipe had left for him and, as Felipe entered on Tornado, they switched places near the tavern. As this was done, making sure he had everybody's undivided attention, Zorro entered the plaza, headed directly for De Soto.

Good day, Alcalde! He greeted, pointing his sword at De Soto. If anyone tries to shoot, I will press my sword a little further into your neck! He warned.

No one move! De Soto ordered, disappointed the man was not in his jail but still roaming free.

I understand you are preparing a party, Alcalde, since that is the only explanation for your sudden urge to summon so many well-educated caballeros to your office! Well, since you have troubled yourself with inviting the guests, please, allow me to provide the entertainment! Said Zorro.

As he finished enunciating the words, he left the plaza in everybody's confusion and, switching places again with Felipe, Diego changed back into his clothes, hiding Zorro's things, as Felipe lighted up the fireworks that they had previously placed near the pueblo, doing another tour around the town. The fireworks started in turn, some of them aimed at the plaza instead of the sky, giving the pueblo a show of lights the people had never seen before and, at the same time, startling the horses of the cuartel's lancers which were preparing to follow Zorro.

Well, Diego told the detective as everyone was watching Zorro escape and as the lancers were being thrown off their stallions, one must admit seeing Zorro does always provide for some good entertainment!

The Detective, Paula and Victoria, who were all there, turned towards him, the Detective with a blank expression, Paula confused and Victoria smiling.

Alcalde! Do you believe that Zorro has the magical power to be in two places at the same time? Shouted Don Alejandro who had arrived into town accompanied by other Dons, minutes before Zorro was making his escape.

Now, that would be quite disconcerting! Said Diego at hearing his father who was now the pueblo's center of attention.

The Alcalde understood exactly what the Don was implying.

Sergeant! Let the men we have in prison go! Said De Soto disappointed.

Don Diego, too, Alcalde? Asked Mendoza.

Diego? I don't even know why you bothered arresting him, Sergeant! Replied De Soto.

But you gave me specific orders, Alcalde. Shouted Mendoza apologetic.

I gave you orders to arrest all men who could be Zorro! A turnip has more chances to be Zorro than Diego de la Vega! Came the reply and Diego pretended being mildly offended by the alcalde's remark.

ZZZZZ

Later that evening at the tavern, Don Alejandro, one of his friends and Felipe were sat at a table, discussing the day's events when Sergeant Mendoza came in.

Don Alejandro, Don Esteban, how are you? He asked.

Very well, Sergeant! Replied Don Alejandro. Now that my son is out of the Alcalde's prison!

I am very sorry about that, Don Alejandro, but the alcalde had given me specific instructions...The Sergeant tried again to apologize.

Oh, Sergeant, you as well as us, know quite well that Diego is no Zorro! Said Victoria who overheard the conversation. You should have known better than to arrest him!

That is true, Senorita Victoria, but I don't have a say in such matters...

By the way, Don Alejandro, where is Diego? Asked Victoria.

He is at the hacienda, making up for the sleep he missed last night. Do you know the Alcalde put 13 people in each of the jail cells? Cooked up like sardines!? The man knows no boundaries! Don Alejandro underlined his disapproval.

Felipe was sitting with his back at Victoria and smiled when she said that Diego is no Zorro, a smile only a certain very observant barmaid caught. After having been lost in thoughts ever since Zorro's latest appearance, Felipe's smile made a smile appear on her face as well.

ZZZZZZ

The next day, Don Alejandro, Diego and Felipe arrived at the tavern around noon, in order to get lunch. At the same time, the detective was exiting the tavern, heading for the market. Paula was on the terrace and greeted the men with a smile. As they were preparing to enter, the Alcalde exited his office and the conversation that followed made all the people in the plaza turn their attention to it. Victoria also exited bringing a bottle of wine for one of the clients and joined them in listening in.

Don Armando! Yelled the Alcalde.

Alcalde! He answered with a smile.

Sergeant Mendoza told me you have not been requesting his services since yesterday afternoon. Said the Alcalde. Is there something wrong? I can assure you, I don't hold your mistake against you, senor! My man is still at your disposal.

Thank you, Alcalde, but I don't need him anymore. Don Armando answered.

What you mean, you don't need him? Then what do you need? Tell me how can I help you and I will make sure to comply, Don Armando. De Soto insisted.

While I appreciate the offer Alcalde, Don Armando tried to clarify, since my work here is finished, I will not need your support anymore, nor that of your men, senor! In fact, I will be leaving Los Angeles on today's coach to Monterrey.

Your work is done? Should I understand that you know who Zorro is? Asked De Soto, in his mind already seeing his enemy hanging from the noose.

No, Alcalde. Since that is not really my job. However, El Sabueso does! Said the man.

I am afraid I don't fully understand, Don Armando! Said the Alcalde nervously. I thought you were El Sabueso...

A common mistake, Alcalde! The man replied.

But you said...De Soto made one last attempt.

I said I was Don Armando de Castilla and that is who I am, Alcalde. However, I am not El Sabueso, nor am I a detective.

You are not? Then, I am at a loss, senor, and I suggest you explain yourself! Asked De Soto as he was becoming quite agitated.

I am not El Sabueso, Alcalde, but I do work for the famous detective. And, while I, myself, don't know the true identity of Zorro, since the detective decided not to share that information with me, the detective did, however, asked me to give you the following message. As he said that, he took a piece of paper from his jacket and read it out loud:

„Alcalde De Soto, it started

I have come to Los Angeles to catch an archcriminal you accused in your letter to me of having committed a multitude of crimes and endangered the lives of the people of this community. I have arrived committed to helping you bring such a man to justice.

However, in the time I spent in this pueblo, I have seen no evidence of crimes committed by Zorro. In fact, the only criminals I have encountered here sit either in jail or behind your desk. As for the man known as Zorro, all I saw was a man able and willing to sacrifice his life in the service of others, a man this community depends upon more than it realizes.

Under these circumstances and considering that you asked me here under a pretense, I, El Sabueso, inform you, Alcalde De Soto, about my refusal to partake in your schemes and divulge Zorro's real name".

What? Asked the Alcalde as people started applauding and Diego, his father, and Victoria were hardly hiding their satisfaction with the turn of events. How, how dare you, senor? I demand you inform me who Zorro is or I will make you regret this insolence!

As I told you, Alcalde, I do not know and El Sabueso has already left Los Angeles yesterday evening, so I have no way of finding out. The man replied calmly. Furthermore, since El Sabueso has anticipated your menace, I do want to inform you that my escort to Monterrey, provided by the Governor, should also be here shortly.

The Alcalde left infuriated, cursing at the man and telling the Sergeant he is just covering for his abject failure to find out who Zorro is.

Well, that was quite an unexpected turn of events. Said Don Alejandro, delighted at how it all turned out.

It certainly was, father. Approved Diego, wondering who the detective really was, if not Don Armando, and if he knew Zorro's true identity.

See, Don Diego? In the end, no matter how many lies one invents to hide the truth, the truth will always come out! Victoria pointed out, oblivious at the irony hidden in her own words.

ZZZZZZ

A week later, Diego and Don Alejandro came to the tavern to say goodbye to Paula, who was departing for Monterrey in order to look after her sick mother.

We are sorry to see you leave, Senorita! Said Don Alejandro.

Do you plan to return once your mother is feeling better? Asked Diego

Who knows? Life can take one to all sorts of different places. After all, wisdom begins in wonder. Replied Paula and Diego seemed confused.

"Did she just quote Socrates?" Diego wondered.

Will you join me for a coffee, Don Diego, as I wait for the coach? Paula invited him as Don Alejandro apologized and directed himself towards some friends of his, who were sitting a few meters away.

He agreed and made a short hand-gesture, indicating they should take place at the nearest table. As she sat down, she smiled, studying him, which made him rather uncomfortable.

Tell me, Don Diego, she asked in a low voice, making sure they were not overheard, what do you think would have happened had El Sabueso decided to reveal who Zorro is? In case the detective really knew that, I mean! She added quickly.

Diego looked at her confused.

Well, I guess he would have been executed. He replied, wondering what prompted the question.

Right... She said pensively. That would have been a shame! I am not sure his father would ever recover from that. Not to mention Victoria and Felipe.

Diego became more intrigued as a shiver passed through him. Did the woman before him know he was Zorro?

I guess it's a good thing El Sabueso decided to keep Zorro's identity a secret in that case! She continued as he came to full realization as to whom he was truly addressing.

He had noticed that Paula seemed much better educated than most women he had ever known. She tried to hide it but, as it was the case with him, one can never fully hide one's true self. Yet, he had never considered that she could be a detective.

Yes, I believe it is. He confirmed glancing at her with admiration. Zorro, I am sure, is very grateful for the detective's decision. He added, just as Victoria came to inform them that the Coach had arrived.

Well, I guess it is time for me to go. Paula concluded. Goodbye Don Diego! And, may I say, you are most welcome! Victoria, my friend, I shall never forget you!

Nor I, you, Paula! said Victoria. I am very sorry to see you leave and I do hope your mother will be better soon!

A safe trip, Senorita Paula! Give our bests to your mother! Added Don Alejandro.

Victoria accompanied her right to the coach's door and gave her a huge hug as the men watched from the terrace.

You know, Victoria, I might not be a famous detective, but I am quite sure you are destined to be a De la Vega, my friend. Paula whispered in Victoria's ear as they embraced.

Victoria smiled, not understanding what her friend was saying, and looked at Diego, puzzled, as the coach was leaving Los Angeles. Diego, in turn, watched the coach, his smile betraying both fascination and something resembling fear – or as close as the man could come to actually feeling fear.