The Mark of Zorro by JOHNSTON MCCULLEY Read Free Book Online Page B

course, for it had been some time since he could hide them, and she wanted, naturally, to see him in excellent fortune again. She knew, too, that did she wed with Don Diego Vega, her father was made whole. For a Vega would not let the relatives of his wife be in any but the best of circumstances.
    She called up before her a vision of Don Diego’s handsome face, and wondered what it would be like if lighted with love and passion. ‘Twere a pity the man was so lifeless, she told herself. But to wed a man who suggested sending a native servant to serenade her in his own place!
    The splashing of the water in the fountain lulled her to sleep, and she curled up in one end of the bench, her cheek pillowed on one tiny hand, her black hair cascading to the ground.
    And suddenly she was awakened by a touch on her arm, and sat up quickly, and then would have screamed except that a hand was crushed against her lips to prevent her.
    Before her stood a man whose body was enveloped in a long cloak, and whose face was covered with a black mask so that she could see nothing of his features except his glittering eyes. She had heard Señor Zorro, the highwayman, described, and she guessed that this was he, and her heart almost ceased to beat, she was so afraid.
    â€œSilence, and no harm comes to you, señorita ,” the man whispered hoarsely.
    â€œYou—you are—” she questioned on her breath.
    He stepped back, removed his sombrero, and bowed low before her.
    â€œYou have guessed it, my charming señorita ,” he said. “I am known as Señor Zorro, the Curse of Capistrano.”
    â€œAnd—you are here—”
    â€œI mean you no harm, no harm to any of this hacienda, señorita . I punish those who are unjust, and your father is not that. I admire him greatly. Rather would I punish those who do him evil than to touch him.”
    â€œI—I thank you, señor.”
    â€œI am weary, and the hacienda is an excellent place to rest,” he said. “I knew it to be the siesta hour, also, and thought everyone would be asleep. It were a shame to awaken you, señorita , but I felt that I must speak. Your beauty would hinge a man’s tongue in its middle so that both ends might be free to sing your praises.”
    Señorita Lolita had the grace to blush.
    â€œI would that my beauty affected other men so,” she said.
    â€œAnd does it not? Is it that the Señorita Lolita lacks suitors? But that cannot be possible!”
    â€œIt is, nevertheless, señor . There are few bold enough to seek to ally themselves with the family of Pulido, since it is out of favor with the powers. There is one—suitor,” she went on. “But he does not seem to put much life into his wooing.”
    â€œHa! A laggard at love—and in your presence? What ails the man? Is he ill?”
    â€œHe is so wealthy that I suppose he thinks he has but to request it and a maiden will agree to wed him.”
    â€œWhat an imbecile! ’Tis the wooing gives the spice to romance!”
    â€œBut you, señor! Somebody may come and see you here! You may be captured!”
    â€œAnd do you not wish to see a highwayman captured? Perhaps it would mend your father’s fortune were he to capture me. The governor is much vexed, I understand, concerning my operations.”
    â€œYou—you had best go,” she said.
    â€œThere speaks mercy in your heart. You know that capture would mean my death. Yet must I risk it, and tarry a while.”
    He seated himself upon the bench, and Señorita Lolita moved away as far as she could, and then started to rise.
    But Señor Zorro had been anticipating that. He grasped one of her hands, and before she guessed his intention, had bent forward, raised the bottom of his mask, and pressed his lips to its pink, moist palm.
    â€œSeñor!” she cried, and jerked her hand away.
    â€œIt were bold, yet a man must express his feelings,”