The Further Adventures of Zorro, Part V
CHAPTER XXII.
A PRICE TO BE PAID.
The face of Captain Ramón turned livid as he struggled to get his sword from its scabbard. There was a look of fear in his countenance, too.
“Zorro!” he cried. “Señor Zorro, eh?”
“Sí! Zorro!” came the answer. “There is not water enough in all the sea to drown me while there remains something to be avenged. We have crossed blades before, señor, and I have marked you. But this time shall be the last. A fatal wound this time, capitan! It is an honor that I do not cut you down without giving you the chance to defend yourself!”
Captain Ramón finally had his sword out, and now he was on guard. But he could not forget that once before in his life he had crossed blades with Señor Zorro, and Zorro had played with him as a cat plays with a mouse, and finally had left him for dead after marking him on the forehead.
And so the captain grew desperately afraid, feeling that he had small chance against the better sword play of the other. He sprang back toward the door to the front room, but found Señor Zorro before him blocking the way.
“Are you a coward and would run?” Zorro taunted. “A pretty soldier, by the saints!”
“Ha! Señor Zorro is here!” the commandante shouted at the top of his lung power. “Zorro is here! To me, pirates!”
He had no time to say more. Señor Zorro’s face assumed an expression of grim determination, and he advanced swiftly. But Captain Ramón had found another method of protection for the time being. He sprang back beside the señorita, grasped her roughly and held her before him, shielding his body with hers. And he continued his shouting, hoping to attract the attention of Barbados and his men.