“You are right, my friends!” he cried. “This is touch enough to turn my blood hot again. Don Diego Vega is dead for a time; Señor Zorro takes the trail! Audre, get me the best horse you can! You others, wait!”
He dashed up the stairs as Audre hurried through the front door. The others waited, talking wildly of plans for reaching the shore of the sea. Frightened servants stood about as though speechless.
In a short space of time Don Diego returned to them. But he was Don Diego no longer. Now he wore the costume he had worn when as Señor Zorro he had ridden up and down the length of El Camino Real. And in his face was a light that was not good to see.
Don Audre hurried in. “I’ve got one good horse,” he said.
“I go!” Don Diego cried. “I follow them to the sea. The two forces will meet there.”
“We are with you in this!” Don Audre cried. “With you as when you were Zorro before. With you, my friend, until we have the little señorita safe again!”
Their naked blades flashed overhead in token of allegiance.
Don Diego thanked them with a look.
“Then follow me to the sea!” he cried. “A trading ship is due there in the morning. Mayhap we’ll have to take it and trace them across the waves. I go! Zorro takes the trail!”