Written by Philip John Taylor
Directed by Peter Diamond

First US Airdate 12 April 1992   Episode 3.23

[Closeup shot of a lancer riding a horse and shooting a pistol.]

[Closeup shot of another lancer's hand shooting a pistol.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro rides Toronado ahead of two lancers.]

Zorro [as he whips the reins from side to side]
Hyah!  Hyah!

[Zorro and Toronado pull ahead of the lancers who shoot at him again.  Zorro turns to look over his shoulder at them.]

[Closeup shot of Toronado's front legs as he runs over grass.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro rides Toronado far ahead of the two lancers.  One lancer raises his pistol but then lowers it as he slows down his horse.  The other lancers (Sepulveda, I think) keeps chasing after Zorro.  Zorro rides on as Sepulveda also slows down his horse then dismounts.  He sits down on a rock while holding his horse's reins.]

Sepulveda [watching Zorro ride away]
Ah, Zorro.

[He sighs then waves his hand then puts his pistol away.]

[Closeup shot of a white horses running in slow motion.]

de Soto [off camera]
Magnificent.  What a beautiful animal!

[Closeup shot of the white horse's legs as it runs over grass.]

de Soto [off camera]
Ahh. . .   Superb.

[Exterior shot of a corral as a man rides the white horse around inside it.]

de Soto [off camera at first]
I want that horse.

[He watches the horse as Mendoza stands behind him on his left.  The man rides the white horse up to where de Soto is standing.]

de Soto
Extraordinary.  Such speed.

Mendoza [frowning]
Ah, it is just a dumb animal.

de Soto [turning to look at Mendoza]
Can you run that fast, Sergeant?

[Mendoza starts to open his mouth then shakes his head.]

de Soto [to the man]
A most impressive demonstration, Señor.

Man
Mariposa will ride any horse into the dust, Alcalde.  I personally guarantee it.

de Soto
Audaciously spoken.  Your price?

Man
Five thousand.

de Soto [laughing]
Pegasus would not fetch that kind of money on today's market.  No. [He touches Mariposa's nose.] Two thousand.

Man
A shame we cannot do business, Señor.

de Soto
Huh. . .  All right, three thousand.

[The man shakes his head as he starts to lead Mariposa away.]

de Soto [holding up four fingers]
Four thousand and that's my final offer!

[The man turns away and keeps leading Mariposa away as Mendoza shakes his head.]

de Soto
All right!  Five thousand.

[The man starts leading Mariposa back over to de Soto.]

Man
Okay.

Mendoza [as he walks toward de Soto]
Alcalde. . . [to the man] Excuse us, Señor Herrero.  Alcalde.

[The man bows and turns away as Mendoza beckons de Soto aside.]

de Soto [a bit irritated]
What is it?

Mendoza
Five thousand?  It's a splendid horse.  I-I-Incredible horse. . .  But five thousand pesos?  That's half the annual budget of pueblo de Los Angeles.

de Soto
Sergeant, the people of Los Angeles will gladly pay for this horse.

Mendoza
How. . .will they pay?

de Soto
Well, suppose we simply levy a tax on their horses, hmm?

Mendoza
A horse tax? [He laughs.] The people will never. . .

de Soto [pointing at Mariposa]
Sergeant, with this mount, I will ride Zorro into the ground.  And when we're alone out there in the desert, I will put a bullet into his evil heart.

[He points at Mendoza's chest.]

Mendoza [nervously]
Ah. . .  With this mount?

de Soto [nodding]
Hmm. . .

[He then starts laughing evilly as Mendoza looks worried.]

*****COMMERCIAL BREAK*****

[Exterior shot of the plaza as Mendoza walks away from two other lancers.  He nods at a man in a gray suit as he walks to his left.]

[Interior shot of the tavern as Victoria walks past a man in a white shirt who is walking through the door.]

Man [to Victoria]
Look at the poster outside.  Another tax.

Victoria walks through the door with an angry expression.  She steps out the front door then turns to her left to see the poster tacked up on her tavern's wall.  She reads it with her hands on her hips.]

[Exterior shot of the plaza as Mendoza walks toward the tavern.  He comes up behind Victoria.]

Victoria [still looking at the poster]
A horse tax?  That's the last straw!

[She turns around and see Mendoza standing behind her.]

Mendoza [apologetically]
That's what everybody is saying.  But I'm only doing my job.

Victoria
Well, if you don't like your job, Sergeant, then quit!

Mendoza
I-I would. . .  Then I ‘d have to pay the horse tax.

Victoria [angrily]
Oh, I see.  The military are exempt.  Well, I was wrong.  That is the last straw.

[Don Alejandro and two other men ride into the plaza and up to the tavern porch.]

Don Alejandro
Buenos dias, Victoria.

Victoria
Buenos dias, Don Alejandro.  Have you heard about this new tax?

Don Alejandro
I certainly have.  That's why we're here. [He indicates the other two men.] Sergeant Mendoza, would you do me a favor and ask the Alcalde to step out for a few minutes?

Mendoza
Well, I would, Don Alejandro, but. . .  The Alcalde left strict orders not to be disturbed under any circumstances.

Victoria [turning to face Mendoza who now stands to her right]
Under any circumstances?  Well, I'm sure Zorro will be very pleased to hear about that.

Mendoza
Zorro?  Hah!  If he dares to show his face around here today, he's in for the biggest surprise of his life.

[Zorro comes up to Mendoza's right and puts his left arm around Mendoza's shoulders.]

Zorro
I love surprises, Sergeant.

Mendoza [choking as Victoria laughs]
Zorro?  How did he know?

Zorro
How did who know what?

Mendoza
The Alcalde said you would show up today.

Zorro
Well, I wonder what he. . .

[Exterior shot of the cuartel gate as de Soto rides Mariposa through the opened gates.]

[Exterior shot of the tavern porch as Zorro runs to his left toward Toronado.]

[Exterior shot of the plaza as several lancers ride through the cuartel gate.  Zorro rides Toronado in front of the tavern]

Zorro
Alcalde!  The people of Los Angeles demand to know the reason for this horse tax!

de Soto
To hunt you down, Zorro! [He points at Mariposa.] Nothing can outrun Mariposa.

Zorro
That is indeed a magnificent animal. [He pats Toronado's neck.] We've been challenged, old boy. [to de Soto] Perhaps a small wager. . .  If I escape, you rescind the taxes.

Don Alejandro [nodding]
Yes.

de Soto [indignantly]
I don't make deals with outlaws!

[Zorro stares at de Soto for a moment then rides off to his left.  De Soto raises then lowers his right arm and the lancers fire their muskets toward Zorro.  Zorro ducks down on Toronado's back then continues on his way out of the pueblo.  Don Alejandro pumps his fist triumphantly.  De Soto and the lancers ride off after Zorro.]

Victoria [stepping off the porch]
Run, Toronado, run.

[De Soto and the lancers kick up dust as they ride out of the pueblo.]

Lancers
Hyah!  Hyah! Hyah!  Hyah!

[Closeup shot of de Soto as he rides in front of the lancers, holding a pistol in his right hand.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro rides Toronado, looking over his shoulder as the lancers fire at him.  Zorro and Toronado ride through a grassy field.  De Soto and the lancers ride after him.  Zorro rides Toronado through a narrow gap between two large boulders.  The lancers ride four abreast, firing their weapons at Zorro.  Zorro rides through a group of trees with de Soto and the lancers no where in sight.  Zorro rides Toronado out from behind some bushes at a much slower pace than before.]

Zorro [patting Toronado's neck]
Well ridden, amigo.

[Toronado whinnies and tosses his head.  Three bullets hit a nearby rock.  Zorro turns around.  De Soto and the lancers are coming up on him from his right.]

Zorro [voiceover]
Persist, Alcalde.  Time to get out of here.

[He rides off to his left.]

[Closeup shot of de Soto riding Mariposa, still holding up his pistol.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro rides Toronado through some rocks and trees.  De Soto and the lancers chase after him.  Zorro rides up a hillside, the others in hot pursuit.]

de Soto
He's headed for the ravine!  We've got him!

[Closeup shot of Toronado's legs traveling over rocky dirt.]

[Closeup shot of Mariposa's legs traveling over rocky dirt.]

de Soto [off camera]
If the ravine doesn't get him, then I will!

[Closeup shot of the lancers's horses legs traveling over rocky dirt.]

[Exterior shot of a narrow, steep gap between two rocks.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro rides Toronado over rocky ground as they gain speed.]

Zorro [voiceover]
This should separate the men from the boys.

[He and Toronado jump over the ravine, landing on the other side of the gap.  They keep going.]

[Exterior shot of the ravine.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as the lancers ride over the rocky ground, pulling up their horses.  One lancer falls off his horse and rolls onto some rocks.  De Soto slows Mariposa then urges her forward.]

de Soto
Ahh!  All right, Mariposa, this is it.  Fly, Mariposa, fly.

[Exterior shot to the ravine as de Soto and Mariposa jump over the gap and land on the other side.  They keep going.]

Lancers [off camera]
Padre de Dios!  Whoa!  Whoa!

[Exterior shot of the countryside as the lancers come up to the edge of the ravine.]

Lancer [grabbing another lancer's arm]
Not so fast.  Hold on, amigos.

[Shot from a lancer's point of view of the ravine.]

Lancer [off camera]
Jesus, that's a long fall.

[Closeup shot of Zorro riding Toronado and looking over his shoulder.]

Zorro [voiceover]
He made it.

[He turns forward and urges Toronado on.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as de Soto rides Mariposa.  He reaches his right hand down to his right hip as he rides.]

[Closeup shot of Toronado's head as he runs.]

[Closeup shot of Mariposa's head as she runs.]

[Closeup shot of Toronado's front legs as he runs.]

[Closeup shot of Mariposa's front legs as she runs.]

[Closeup shot of Toronado's head as he runs.]

[Closeup shot of Mariposa's head as she runs.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro rides Toronado up to a rock then brings him to a halt.  A bullet hit the rock, sending up a plume of dust.  Toronado whinnies then spins around in a circle.]

[Closeup shot of de Soto riding Mariposa.]

Zorro [off camera voiceover]
That is one good horse.

[De Soto rides Mariposa with a determined expression.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside where Zorro turns Toronado to his left then they ride away.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro drags a tree branch on a rope behind Toronado.]

Zorro [voiceover]
This should sidetrack him for awhile.

[Zorro brings Toronado to a halt then dismounts.  He coils up the rope as he goes over and bends down, untying the rope from the tree branch.  He straightens up then walks over to where Toronado is standing next to a stream.]

Zorro
What have you found there, amigo? [He puts the rope on Toronado's saddle.] Oh, I know you're thirsty, boy.  It's dangerous to let you drink until after you're cooled down. [He pats Toronado's neck.] if you'll forgive me. . .

[Zorro walks over and crouches down next to the water.  He cups his bare hands, scoops up some water, then drinks it.]

Zorro [voiceover]
It won't take the Alcalde long to realize he's been tricked. [He takes another drink of water.] But by the time he doubles back, we'll be on our way to the hacienda.

[He shakes the water off his hands then stands up and goes back over to Toronado.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside where de Soto appears in a gap between some trees.  The camera zooms in on de Soto.]

[Shot from de Soto's point of view of rocks, trees, and grass.]

de Soto [voiceover]
Where are you?  I know you're there somewhere.

[Closeup shot of de Soto turning Mariposa around and riding off the way he came.]

de Soto [voiceover]
You won't escape me this time!

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro and Toronado ride slowly through bushes and rocks.]

Zorro [voiceover as he looks up]
Getting hot.  I eluded the Alcalde not a moment too soon.

[He puts his gloved right hand on his face, then on the back of his neck.

Zorro [voiceover]
Uh. . .  What's happening?

[Shot from Zorro's point of view of rocks and trees as they get blurry for a second then come back into focus.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro shakes his head before urging Toronado forward.  Zorro then grabs his stomach with a groan of pain.  Toronado comes to a halt.]

Zorro [voiceover]
The water. . .  It's contaminated. . .  And poisoned.

[He dismounts and leans forward, clutching his stomach.  He sits down on a nearby rock while putting his right hand on Toronado's neck.]

*****COMMERCIAL BREAK*****

[Closeup shot of Zorro as he is doubled over in pain as he sits on a rock.  He hits himself with his right fist on his right leg.]

Zorro [voiceover]
The poison. . .  It's working quickly.  We're miles from the nearest farm.

[Shot from Zorro's point of view of blurry rocks and trees.]

[Closeup shot of Zorro as he clutches his stomach.  He reaches over and uses Toronado to help him stand up.]

Zorro [voiceover]
Somehow, I've got to find the strength.

[He gets a worried expression on his face.]

[Closeup shot of Mariposa's front legs as she runs.]

[Closeup shot of Zorro.]

Zorro
De Soto.

[Closeup shot of a black gloved hand as it reaches under a small waterfall.  The camera pans over to show de Soto bent over it, drinking water from his cupped hands.]

[Closeup shot of Zorro as he steps up onto a rock.]

[Shot from Zorro's point of view of a blurry de Soto by the waterfall.]

[Closeup shot of Zorro waving his hands.]

Zorro
Alcalde, don't drink!  The stream is tainted!

[Exterior shot of the waterfall as de Soto turns around and straightens up.  He hops away from the water.]

Zorro
The water filters through rocks.  Something in the rocks causes convulsions, pain!

[Exterior shot of the countryside as de Soto walks up to where Zorro is standing.]

de Soto
Another one of your tricks, eh, Zorro?

Zorro
Listen to me. . .  Listen to me. . .  The fever will strike you very soon.  We're miles from Los Angeles.

[He gulps then shakes his head.  He looks around blindly.]

[Shot from Zorro's point of view of de Soto's blurry face.]

de Soto
What is it?

[Closeup shot of Zorro looking around blindly.]

[Shot from Zorro's point of view of de Soto's blurry face.]

de Soto [smiling evilly]
You can't see, can you?

[Closeup shot of Toronado who snorts while waiting by some rocks.]

[Closeup shot of Zorro staring blindly as de Soto laughs.]

[Exterior shot of de Soto as he stands with his foot on a rock.]

de Soto
Well, at last, I'll find out who's beneath the mask of Zorro.

[He steps to his right as Zorro blinks his eyes.  Toronado shakes his head as de Soto continues to move to his right.  Toronado runs forwards, whinnying loudly as de Soto raises his pistol at Zorro.  Toronado rears and knocks the pistol from de Soto's hand.]

de Soto
Aah!

[The bullet hits a bush and the pistol lands on the ground.  Toronado rears again and whinnies loudly.  De Soto looks up at Toronado who bares his teeth and (what I can only describe as a growl) growls at him.

de Soto
Losing your sight puts you at a distinct disadvantage, wouldn't you say?

[He draws out his sword.  Zorro unsheathes his saber.  Zorro jumps down at de Soto and they duel.  Zorro blocks de Soto's sword's every thrust.  De Soto duck down and Zorro slashes his saber over his head.  De Soto stays crouched down as Zorro blindly looks around.  Toronado whinnies.]

de Soto
Surrender, Zorro!  I'll give you a fair trial. [He bends down and picks up a rock.] Otherwise, I'll cut you down here and now.

Zorro
I'm afraid neither of those choices sound very appealing.

[De Soto tosses the rock behind Zorro, who spins around in its direction.  De Soto brandishes his sword to his left and Zorro follows the sound.  De Soto brandishes his sword to his right and Zorro follows the sound.  De Soto makes more sound with his sword and Zorro reacts to each sound.  Toronado whinnies loudly as de Soto lunges forward.]

de Soto
Aah!

[Zorro parries every thrust by de Soto.  De Soto pulls back.]

de Soto [clutching his stomach with his left arm]
Aah!  Ooh!

Zorro
It won't be long now, Señor.  We must help each other or we're both dead men.

de Soto [doubled over in pain]
I'm afraid none of those choices sound very appealing to me.

[He starts slashing his sword at Zorro, who parries each pass.]

de Soto [pulling back]
Padre de Dios!  I'm going to die out here!

Zorro
The blindness will come soon, Alcalde.  A truce!

de Soto
You think I'd trust you? [He raises his sword.] Aah!

[He swings his sword at Zorro who parries each thrust.  De Soto clutches his left hand to his stomach.  Zorro grabs de Soto's right arm, then brings his saber down onto de Soto's sword blade, breaking it in half.  Zorro then pushes de Soto forward.]

de Soto
Aaah!

[Shot from Zorro's point of view of a blurry de Soto walking off to his left.]

Zorro [off camera]
Alcalde!  Come back!

[Closeup shot of Zorro as he sheathes his saber.]

[Closeup shot of Toronado as he comes forward and whinnies.  Zorro comes over and grabs Toronado's reins.]

Zorro
You'll have to be my eyes, old boy.

[He moves out of the shot as Toronado stands patiently.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as de Soto rides Mariposa along the top of a hill.  They ride down the hillside before stopping.  De Soto blinks his eyes.]

[Shot from de Soto's point of view of blurry rocks and trees.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as de Soto shakes his head then slides off Mariposa and onto his back onto the ground.  Mariposa whinnies and runs off.]

de Soto [rolling onto his left side]
Mariposa!  Mariposa, come back here!  I'll die out here!

[He rolls back onto his back then onto his stomach then he starts crawling to his left.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro and Toronado ride up a small hill.  Toronado stops as Mariposa run across their path, whinnying loudly.]

Zorro [voiceover as he pulls his saber half way out of it sheathe]
Who's that?  The Alcalde's horse. [He sheathes his saber.] He can hardly see by now.  Where could he have gone? [He bows his head and rubs his eyes then looks up.]

Zorro [voiceover]
My sight. . .

[Shot from Zorro's point of view of blurry rocks and trees as they then come back into focus.]

Zorro [voiceover]
It's returning.  The poison's effect is only temporary.

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro sits astride Toronado.]

Zorro [voiceover]
He's heading for the Salitre Canyon bridge.

[Zorro and Toronado ride off to their right.]

[Exterior shot of a wooden suspension bridge hanging over a canyon.]

[Closeup shot of de Soto's gloved hand as it clutches at the bridge's rope railing.]

[Exterior shot of the bridge as de Soto starts to walk across it.]

de Soto [as the bridge starts to sway]
Oh. . .

[Shot from de Soto's point of view of the blurry bridge wooden slats ahead of him.]

de Soto [off camera]
My eyes. . .  What's happening to my sight?

[Closeup shot of de Soto clutching the rope railing as he walk across the swaying bridge.]

de Soto
Help me through this and . . .  I'll. . .  I'll never doubt you again.

[Exterior shot of the bridge as de Soto has made it about halfway across it.]

[Closeup shot of de Soto as he walks on the swaying bridge.  He loses his balance and starts to go over the side.]

de Soto [hanging onto the rope railing]
Help!  Help!  Oh!  Help!

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro rides Toronado through bushes and a rocky field.]

de Soto [off camera]
Help!  Please!

[Zorro urges Toronado to go faster.]

[Closeup shot of de Soto as he sits with one leg hanging off the bridge, clutching the rope railing.  Zorro appears behind him on a rock overlooking the bridge.  Zorro dismounts Toronado.]

Zorro
Alcalde!

de Soto [turning around to look at Zorro]
Stay away from me!

Zorro [wiping his eyes]
Even if you make it over to the other side, there's no one around for thirty miles but me.

de Soto
You?  You're as blind as I am!

Zorro
No! [He walks down toward the bridge.] Apparently the symptoms reverse themselves.  I can see more clearly by the minute. [He jumps down on the end of the bridge.] Alcalde, listen to me!  Our differences may be wider than this canyon, but even you know how much I value a life.  Let me help you!

de Soto [as Zorro starts to walk out into the bridge]
Very well. [He reaches out and grabs the rope railing opposite of where he is sitting.] I have no choice.  I'm at your mercy, Zorro.

[He gets to his feet.  Zorro walks toward him as the bridge sways.  De Soto turns away from Zorro.]

de Soto
Am I farther!

Zorro
About midway.

[De Soto runs to the opposite side of the bridge.  Zorro looks stunned as he watches him.  De Soto pulls out  a knife.]

de Soto
Good.

[Zorro turns and starts walking back the way he came as de Soto starts cutting through one of the thick ropes holding up the bridge.]

de Soto [cutting through the rope]
I've waited a long time for this moment.

[Zorro continues to walk toward the other side but his foot breaks through one of the bridge's wooden slats.]

Zorro [as both of his feet fall through the slats and he lands on his back]
Aah!

[De Soto cuts through the rope.]

de Soto
I told you!  I don't make deals with outlaws!

[He hacks through another rope as Zorro struggles to stand up.  The bridge supports on de Soto's side of the bridge come loose.]

de Soto [as he crouches down and cuts one last rope]
Goodbye, my friend.  Adios!

[The end of the bridge slides away from the canyon wall.  Zorro grabs onto one of the slats before the bridge hits the canyon wall on the opposite side.  Slats fall down on Zorro's left hand, knocking it loose from its grip.]

[Shot from Zorro's point of view of the bottom of the canyon.]

[Closeup shot of Zorro as he looks upward.]

[Closeup shot of de Soto as he looks blindly across the canyon.]

[Exterior shot of the canyon wall as Zorro clings to the bridge.  He whistles.]

[Closeup shot of Toronado as he whinnies and runs forward.]

[Closeup shot of de Soto as he looks blindly across the canyon.]

de Soto
Zorro?

[Closeup shot of Zorro as he starts to climb upward.]

de Soto [off camera]
You're alive!

[Closeup shot of the bridge as the rope above Zorro starts to unravel.]

[Closeup shot of Zorro as he continues to climb upward.]

[Closeup shot of the rope snapping in two.  The right side of the bridge sags downward.]

[Closeup shot of Zorro as he slides downward as well, still clutching the bridge.  He ducks as a wooden slat falls down on him, hitting his left hand again.]

[Closeup shot of Toronado coming up to the top of the bridge.]

[Closeup shot of Zorro as he starts climbing upward again.]

Zorro [to Toronado]
The rope.

[Closeup shot of Toronado turning his head and taking the rope off his saddle with his mouth.  He tosses the rope down.]

[Closeup shot of Zorro catching the rope.  He holds one end in his mouth as he lassos the other end around Toronado's neck.]

[Closeup shot of de Soto staring openmouthed across the canyon.]

de Soto
Zorro!

[Exterior shot of the top of the bridge as Toronado moves backward.  Zorro uses his legs to help him climb up while holding onto the rope.]

Zorro
Keep pulling.  Good boy.

[Zorro continues to climb as Toronado pulls him upward.]

[Closeup shot of de Soto looking across the canyon then wiping at his eyes.]

de Soto
Wait. . .

[Shot from de Soto's point of view as his blurry hands came back into focus.]

de Soto
It's happening.  I can see again. [Toronado whinnies off camera.] Noooo!

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro sits astride Toronado.]

Zorro
I'm overjoyed your vision has returned.  Now you'll be able to witness my escape.

[Closeup shot of de Soto brandishing his knife.]

de Soto
You're not going to leave me here?

[Closeup shot of Zorro.]

Zorro
I think a new version of the old proverb is called for.  ‘Don't destroy your bridges until after you've crossed them'.

[He salutes then turns and rides away.]

[Closeup shot of de Soto as he raises his knife then brings it back down, obviously frustrated.]

*****COMMERCIAL BREAK*****

[Closeup shot of de Soto crawling on the ground.  He falls backward up against a rock.]

[Shot from de Soto's point of view of the sun.]

[Closeup shot of de Soto as he breathes hard then touches his forehead.  He looks down to his right where a pile of animal bones rest.  He picks up a jawbone.]

de Soto [dropping the bone]
Aah!

[He then sees a cactus plant right next to him (probably a aloe vera plant) and breaks off one of its tips.  He holds it over his mouth and begins to squeeze it.  A horse's snort is heard off camera.  De Soto tosses aside the piece of cactus.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Mendoza and several lancers come to a halt in front of some trees.  Mendoza dismounts his horse.]

Mendoza [running toward de Soto]
Alcalde!  Oh, mi Alcalde!

[De Soto struggles to his feet.]

Mendoza [stopping in front of de Soto]
It's so good to see you.

de Soto
For once in my life, Sergeant, the feeling's mutual.

[Mendoza hands de Soto a canteen, which de Soto drinks from immediately.  Mendoza brushes off de Soto's jacket.]

de Soto [lowering the canteen]
Mariposa. . .  He's across the ravine!  (Okay this is really wrong.  During this conversation about the horse, de Soto and Mendoza keep calling it a ‘he'.  Mariposa means butterfly in Spanish.  Who in their right mind would name a male horse such an obviously feminine name?  Especially if it was a stallion?  I always thought the horse was a mare. I didn't realize until I transcribed this episode that they were calling it a ‘he'.  It's just wrong, wrong, wrong.  Okay, end of rant.)  If he drinks from that contaminated pool. . .

Mendoza
Oh, no, no, don't worry.  Zorro took him back safely to Los Angeles.  He's in good shape.  As a matter of fact, Zorro told us where to find you.

de Soto
He did?

Mendoza
Yes.  You see, Zorro is hard to understand.  He has his own code of honor.

de Soto
Well, he's a bigger fool that I thought he was.  As soon as I'm rested, I'm getting back on Mariposa.  I'm going to hunt him down and I am not going to fail.

Mendoza [as de Soto takes another drink from the canteen]
Well. . .  As I say, he has his own code of honor.  He has sold Mariposa.

[De Soto spits out the water he was drinking.]

de Soto [outraged]
He what?

Mendoza
Yes.  He sold him to a passing traveler.  Six thousand pesos.  He got a good price.

de Soto [grabbing Mendoza by the jacket]
Six?

Mendoza
Yes.

de Soto
Well, then I'll add horse stealing to his long list of crimes.

[He lets go of Mendoza.]

Mendoza
Well, not exactly, mi Alcalde.  You see, he paid the horse tax for the entire pueblo.

de Soto
Ooh. . .

[He sags up against a rock.]

Mendoza [holding out the canteen as he puts his hand on de Soto's left shoulder]
Have a little more.

de Soto [slapping at Mendoza's hand]
Get your hands off me!

[Exterior shot of the contaminated waterfall.]

[Closeup shot of Diego and Felipe crouching down.  Diego pushes down a plunger.]

[Exterior shot of the waterfall exploding into a cloud of dust and falling rocks.]

[Closeup shot of Diego and Felipe.]

Diego [turning to Felipe]
Well, at least no one will ever drink from that pond again.

[He and Felipe stand up.  Felipe touches Diego's arm and looks around questioningly.]

Diego
What's this place called?  I have no idea. [He thinks for a moment.] Why don't we call it Blind Man's Bluff?

[Felipe smiles and shakes his head.  Diego starts laughing.]

*****END OF EPISODE*****