Written by Philip John Taylor
Directed by Michael Levine

First US Airdate 6 January 1991   Episode 2.16

[Exterior shot of Zorro riding Toronado across the countryside.  In front of them is another man on horseback.  They ride across the top of a ridge.  The man turns and fires a pistol at Zorro.  Zorro ducks down to his left.  The man rides through some bushes.  Suddenly, Zorro and Toronado are in front of him.  Toronado neighs loudly.  Zorro smiles as he urges Toronado forward.  The man turns his horse around and rides around some rocks and trees.  He comes up to the edge of a cliff.]

Man
Aaah!

[He turns to look behind him then dismounts.  He starts to walk down the cliff side.  When he reaches the bottom, Zorro is there waiting for him, giving him a salute.  The man turns and starts climbing back up the cliff.  Zorro dashes off to his right.  The man reaches the top of the cliff only to find Zorro standing there.]

Man [as he slips down the cliff]
Aaah!

[Zorro lashes out his whip and it coils around the man's left ankle.]

Zorro
Stimulating chase, my friend.  But you've come to the end of your rope.

Man [flailing as Zorro pulls him up]
Get me out of here!  Up north, where I come from, they say Zorro is the Alcalde's enemy.  Why are you helping him?

[Zorro pulls the man to the top of the cliff then helps him to his feet.]

Zorro [as he ties the man's hands behind his back]
I'm not helping him, amigo.  I'm helping the people of Los Angeles.  They believe you've stolen their hard earned money.

Man
I didn't rob that bank!

Zorro
We'll let the law decide that, shall we?  Don't worry. [He pats the man on the back.] You'll receive a fair trial.  I personally guarantee it.

[The man starts laughing.]

Man
You can guarantee all you like but I won't be around long enough for a trial, fair or not.

[Zorro crouches down and ties the man's legs together then stands back up.]

Man
I'll be out of that stinking jail by tomorrow morning.  I personally guarantee that.

Zorro
Let's go then, shall we?

[He picks up the bound man and tosses him onto his back.]

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

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega hacienda.]

[Interior shot of the secret cave where Diego is buttoning up his vest as Felipe hangs up Zorro's hat.]

Diego [as he walks]
The Alcalde reminds me of a man who killed both his parents then begged for mercy because he was an orphan.  He'll bend the law to suit his own purposes.

[He sits down in the chair behind his desk.]

Diego
For instance, he didn't set out after the thief at once.  It's almost as if he didn't want to catch him.  The Alcalde's behavior is very strange.  I've placed this Enrique Vargas right in his clutches.

[He looks up at Felipe who is standing at Diego's left.  Felipe points at Diego then shrugs, shaking his head, then holds out his hands palm up.]

Diego
Yes, I know I had no choice.

[Felipe circles his right hand in the air then points at his own head, then holds his right hand palm down about mid-chest.  Then he mimics being hanged.]

Diego
Yes, everyone in town thinks Enrique did it.  But he must be proven guilty in a court of law.  Zorro promised him as much to him.

[Diego opens a book sitting on his desk as Felipe leans down to look at it.]

[Exterior shot of Ramone's office as two lancers stand outside on opposite sides of the front door.]

[Interior shot of Ramone's office as Ramone, holding a book, sits down at his desk as Diego stands to his right.]

Ramone 
It's an open and shut case.

Diego
Nevertheless, Enrique Vargas is entitled to legal representation.  I am volunteering my services.

Ramone 
All right, all right.  Represent the little weasel.  Just remember, the judge will be watching every move you make.

Diego
And who is judging the case, by the way?

[Ramone smiles smugly up at Diego.]

Diego
I see.  I shall need to meet with your prosecutor.

[A door into the office opens and Mendoza steps inside.]

Mendoza
Oh, excuse me, Alcalde.  I didn't know you. . .

[Ramone points at Mendoza with an evil grin.]

Diego [somewhat incredulously]
You are the prosecutor?

Mendoza
Oh, si, Don Diego.  The Alcalde has entrusted me with this monumental task.  I shall be the champion of justice.  I shall not rest until justice is served. . .

Ramone 
All right, Mendoza, don't make a meal of it.  The only reason you're prosecuting this case is because there's no one else.  Besides a dimwitted orangutan with a speech impediment could win a conviction.

Mendoza [chastised]
Si, Alcalde.

Diego
Well, Señor Prosecutor, you are required to hand over all evidence to me relating to the case.

Mendoza [putting his hat on Ramone's desk]
Oh, si, Don Diego. [He unbuttons a button on his uniform jacket.] Of course. {He pulls out a folded piece of paper.] Here.

[He hands the paper to Diego who looks incredulously at it as he unfolds it.]

Ramone 
As I said, it's a very simple case.

[Diego re-folds the paper, looking concerned.]

[Exterior night shot of Ramone's office as crickets chirp.]

[Interior shot of the cuartel jail as Diego stands by a barred window.]

Diego [holding up his right index finger]
So you were on your way from San Diego to Monterey, where you live.  You stopped at the bank in Los Angeles to exchange a gold coin for pesos and the next thing you knew, you were being accused of robbery.  Yes?

[He turns to look at Enrique who is lounging on the floor of his cell, resting his head against the bars.]

Diego
Señor, I don't think you fully grasp the severity of your situation.

[He pulls up a stool and sits down across from Enrique.]

Diego
If you're convicted, you will hang.  Now I need to know everything.

Enrique [sitting up]
They won't hang me.  I'll be out of here by tomorrow morning.

Diego
How can you be so sure?

Enrique [smiling]
You'll see.

[Exterior night shot of the pueblo.]

[Interior shot of Ramone's office where Ramone is sitting behind his desk, reading a piece of paper.  Knocking is heard off camera.  Ramone keeps reading the paper.  The knocking is heard again.]

Ramone 
Go away!  I'm busy!

[The front doors of the office are knocked down and a huge man walk through the doorway.  Ramone looks terrified as he get to his feet.  As the giant approaches, Ramone sits back down in his chair.]

Giant
You're not busy now!

[Ramone smiles insincerely up at the giant.]

Giant
Are you the alcalde?

Ramone [nodding warily]
I am.

Giant
I want to see my brother.

Ramone [gulping]
Your brother?

[The giant nods.]

[Interior shot of the cuartel jail where Diego and Enrique sit facing each other talking.]

Diego
But they didn't find the gold on you.  How could they. . .

[The door leading to Ramone's office is opened forcefully.]

[Closeup shot of the giant walking as Ramone's dangle in the air.  The camera pans up to show the giant holding Ramone by the cravat.]

Ramone [in a choked voice]
Señor Vargas.

Enrique [smiling]
Nestor!

Nestor [dropping Ramone]
Ricky!

[Nestor grabs two cell bars and bends them in opposite directions, creating a hole.]

Ramone [with a raspy voice]
I have a key. . .

[Enrique and Diego get to their feet.  Diego stares incredulously.]

Enrique
I knew you'd come. [He walks toward the cell door.] I was framed, Nestor. [He climbs through the hole in the bars.] They say I robbed a bank.

Nestor
Come on, let's go home.

Diego [walking up to the cell door]
No so fast, my friends.  Enrique, if you leave now, you'll be branded a fugitive.

Nestor
But he said he never did it.

Ramone 
He's been accused of a crime.  If he doesn't stand trial, I will. . . [He stops then smiles insincerely.] They will put a price on his head and every bounty hunter in California will be after him.

Enrique [looking up at Nestor]
He's right, Nestor.

Nestor
Well, what do we do?

Diego
Enrique must stay and face the charges.  I'm defending him.

Ramone 
Ha!

[He becomes serious then makes a rude noise as he covers his mouth with his hand.]

Diego [after glaring at Ramone then looking up at Nestor]
I promise you, Señor, if your brother is innocent, I'll get him acquitted.

Nestor [reaching for a wooden bucket]
You better!  Or this will be your head.

[He crushes the bucket into little pieces.  Diego stares worriedly at the broken bucket.  Ramone stares incredulously.  Nestor throws the pieces onto the floor then he and Enrique walk out of the jail.  Diego and
Ramone watch them go.]

Ramone 
There's a lesson to be learned, Don Diego. [He clears his throat.]  Never volunteer for anything.

[Diego nods his head then looks down at the destroyed bucket.]

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

[Exterior day shot of the tavern.]

Mendoza [off camera at first]
The Alcalde asked me to tell you that if Vargas is convicted, he plans to hold a huge celebration.]

[Interior shot of the tavern as Mendoza and Victoria walk toward the bar.  Victoria is carrying a tray.]

Mendoza
Right here in the tavern.  No expense spared.

Victoria [as Diego sits at a nearby table, looking at a book and holding a quill]
Are you trying to bribe a member of the jury, Sergeant?

Mendoza
Well. . uh. .   Yes.

[Nestor walks up behind Mendoza and Victoria.]

Nestor
Is this where the trial is going to be held?

[Victoria turns around and looks up in shock at Nestor.]

Mendoza
Oh, si, Señor.  You must be the brother of the accused?

Nestor
That's right.  And if he doesn't get out, there'll be big trouble. [Mendoza and Victoria stare at him worriedly.] The last man who bothered little Enrique ended up in Monterey.

Mendoza [gulping then smiling insincerely]
Well, that's not so bad.  Monterey is not so bad this time of year.

Nestor
And San Diego, and San Francisco, and Santa Barbara. {He looks at Mendoza with a puzzled expression.}  Who are you?

Mendoza
Me?  I'm. . .  I'm. . .

Victoria
He's the prosecutor.

Mendoza [nervously]
It's a dirty job, Señor, but somebody has to do it.

[He turns and walks away.]

Victoria [to Nestor]
Ah, excuse me, Señor.  I. . .I heard that you threatened Don Diego.  [Diego looks up from his work at her words.] He's just trying to help.

[Diego smiles.]

Nestor
I'd do anything to protect little Ricky.  But wait until I get my hands on the man who capture him.

Victoria
You mean Zorro?

Nestor [eagerly]
That's him!  I'll tear the rogue limb from limb.

Victoria [indignantly]
Well, I think Zorro will have something to say about that.

Nestor [chuckling]
How about ‘ouch'?

[Victoria stares up at Nestor worriedly.]

Enrique [off camera at first]
Nestor, my brother!

Nestor
Ricky!

[Enrique comes up behind Nestor then puts his hands on Nestor's chest.  Nestor puts his hands on Enrique's shoulders then follows him over to the table where Diego is sitting.  Enrique holds out his hand to Diego, who shakes it.  Enrique then sits down to Diego's right as Nestor sits down behind them.  Ramone sits at a table facing the rest of the tavern, beating a gavel.]

Ramone 
This court is now in session.  Luis Ramone, Alcalde, presiding.  The prosecution is ready to present its case.  [He waves his hand.] Pray, begin.

[Mendoza looks at Ramone then stands up, adjusts his jacket then turns and points at Enrique.]

Mendoza
This man is guilty!

[Everyone looks at him in astonishment.]

Ramone 
Most eloquent, Mendoza. [Mendoza sits back down.]  But why don't you start by telling us why he's guilty?

Mendoza
Yes, of course, Alcalde.

[He stands up again and walks over to where Victoria and the rest of the jury are sitting.]

Mendoza
Señoras y Señores of the jury.  On Tuesday last, this man, [He turns and points again at Enrique.] Enrique Vargas, entered the Los Angeles bank, drew a pistol and proceeded to rob the bank [Diego pats Enrique on the shoulder.] of twelve thousand pesos in gold. I was right here, in the tavern, having my breakfast.  Huevos rancheros, coffee. . .

[Mendoza rambles on until jury members start yawning and some have fallen asleep.]

Mendoza
Think of your little babies at home.  Your dear old grandmothers.  Your kind, loving uncles.  Your loving wives.  Your mothers.  Your. . .

[Ramone bangs his gavel.]

Ramone 
Yes, Mendoza, thank you.  You've made your point.  Señor de la Vega. . . [Diego looks up, stifling a yawn.]  Are you ready to begin your defense?

Diego
Yes, Alcalde. [He stands up.] Ladies and gentlemen of the jury. . .

Mendoza [jumping to his feet]
Objection!

[Ramone bangs his gavel.]

Ramone 
Not yet, Mendoza.

[Mendoza sits back down.]

Diego [putting his hand on Enrique's shoulder again]
Enrique Vargas is. . .

Mendoza [jumping up again]
Objection!

Ramone [smugly]
Sustained.

Diego
Gentlemen, I cannot proceed if I'm to be interrupted at every turn.

[Ramone holds up his hands and shrugs.  His expression grows concerned as Nestor stands up then sits back down next to Mendoza.  Nestor waves his hand at Diego.]

Diego
Thank you.  As I was saying, the good sergeant has told you that the bank robbers stole twelve thousand pesos in gold.  May I present exhibit ‘A'?

[Two men struggle to push a wheelbarrow containing a sack filled with gold coins through the tavern.]

Diego
This sack contains twelve thousand pesos in gold. [Ramone stares at it greedily.] Sergeant, would you be so kind as to carry this sack over to the Alcalde for inspection.

Ramone [crooking his fingers as his eyes never leave the sack of coins]
Mendoza.

[Mendoza turns and looks at Nestor who nods.  Mendoza gets up and goes over to the wheelbarrow and tries to pick up the sack of coins but can't.]

Mendoza
It's very heavy. [He tilts his head at a lancer standing nearby.] Figueroa.

[Figueroa sets his musket aside and goes over to help Mendoza lift the sack.  They still can't lift the sack.

Mendoza
It's no use.  We can't lift it.

Diego
Señor Vargas, will you please stand?

[Enrique stands up beside Diego and barely is as tall as Diego's shoulders.]

Diego
This man, who is nearly half the size of the sergeant, is supposed to have carried such a sack all by himself.  Thank you, gentlemen.

[Mendoza sits back down as the two men take away the wheelbarrow of coins.]

Ramone [off camera]
That proves nothing!

Diego
True! [He turns around, holding a ledger.] But this will.

Ramone [through clenched teeth]
How did you get that?

Diego
Let's just say a concerned citizen left it on my doorstep this morning.

Ramone [as Diego approaches his table]
Only Zorro would have the nerve to break into my office.

Diego [turning away from Ramone]
So you admit this is yours? [He holds up the ledger.] This is the ledger of the bank of Los Angeles, Alcalde.  [He walks over to where the jury is sitting.] These records indicate that the bank's primary owner is Luis Ramone.  It's treasurer is Luis Ramone.  And it's managing director is one Roberto Ortega.

Ramone 
Impossible!  I'm the managing director. I. . .am. . .

Diego
Quite right!

[Ramone realizes what he has said.]

Diego
There is no Roberto Ortega.  Forgive the rather obvious subterfuge.  This ledger show the Alcalde has been siphoning off funds from the bank from the very first day that it opened. [He walks back toward Ramone.]  I believe that he deliberately staged the entire robbery by himself to get off the hook from his depositors.  He then waited until a stranger showed up in town on whom he could blame the whole sordid incident.

[Diego slaps the ledger down on the table in front of Ramone.]

Ramone [banging his gavel]
It is a lie!

Victoria [standing up]
Enrique Vargas is innocent!  The jury demands his release.

[Enrique and Nestor smile at each other.]

Ramone [banging his gavel again]
Never! [He stands up.] I am the presiding judge!  Your verdict is overruled.  The prisoner is guilty! [People gasp and get to their feet.] Sentence is to be carried out immediately!  Lancers!

[He bangs his gavel.]

Voices
No.  No.

[Four lancers aim their muskets at Nestor as two other lancers grab Enrique and drag him away.]

Enrique
Help!

Nestor [standing up]
Ricky!

Enrique [as he is dragged out of the tavern]
Nestor!  Help!

Don Alejandro [as Ramone walks by]
Alcalde, you cannot do this!

Ramone [stopping and looking over at Nestor]
Bring him along so he can watch.

[Ramone walks out of the tavern followed by Mendoza.]

[Exterior shot of the plaza where the two lancers drag Enrique over to the steps of the gallows.  People come out of the tavern, protesting.  Ramone and Mendoza follow Enrique and the two lancers up the gallows steps.  Victoria and Don Alejandro watch as does Nestor, who still is surrounded by several lancers pointing their muskets at him.  He swats one out of his way.]

Ramone [from the gallows platform]
Enrique Vargas has been found. . .

Victoria
Zorro!

[Exterior shot of Zorro climbing on nearby rooftop.]

Victoria [off camera]
Zorro!

Mendoza [standing next to Ramone]
Zorro.  That's all we need.

Ramone [as Enrique has his neck in the noose]
Lancers!  Shoot him!

[He points at Zorro.  All the lancers around Nestor run off.  One remains behind.]

Lancer [as Nestor swats his musket aside]
Stay still or I shoot.

[Nestor lifts the lancer off the ground by his throat.]

Nestor
Is that so?

Lancer [as he nods his head]
Yes, that's so.

[Nestor tosses the lancer into the air.  The lancer lands with a thud off camera.  Nestor then walks away.]

Ramone [leaning over the railing on the gallows]
Where's he going?

Enrique
Zorro was the one who captured me and Nestor's like an elephant.  He never forgets.

Ramone [off camera]
Lancers, don't interfere.

[Nestor walks over to where Zorro is standing on a thatched porch roof.]

Zorro [smiling and waving at Nestor nervously]
Nestor.

[Nestor stops then hits one of the poles supporting the porch roof.  It snaps in two and the roof collapses.  Zorro falls to the ground.  Nestor goes over and lifts up Zorro, grabbing him by the shirt collar.]

Zorro
You pack a mean wallop, amigo.  But I'm here to help you.  I'll explain later.

[Nestor throws Zorro to his right and Zorro tumbles through an open doorway.  Crashing sounds inside the building are heard off camera.]

Ramone [to Mendoza as they both still stand on the gallows platform]
I've always wanted to see Zorro ground to a pulp.  This ought to be entertaining.

[Mendoza gives Ramone a look.  Nestor goes over to the doorway and yanks Zorro out of the building.  Zorro turns as Nestor comes at him then ducks under Nestor's outstretched arms.  Nestor turns and faces Zorro.]

Zorro
Listen, amigo.  I came to rescue your brother from the gallows.

[Nestor swings his right fist at Zorro.  Zorro ducks then pops up and punches Nestor in the face.  Nestor smiles.]

Ramone [to Mendoza]
My money's on the big fellow.

[He chuckles.  Behind him, Enrique slips out of the noose and sneaks away.  Ramone continues to chuckle as Zorro punches Nestor again and Nestor just smiles.  Nestor swings his right fist again at Zorro.  Zorro runs under Nestor's arm.  Nestor spins around to face Zorro.]

Zorro
Look, I. . . [Nestor swings at Zorro who ducks then holds up his right index finger.] Look, amigo, I. . .

[Nestor grabs Zorro's right wrist then pushes Zorro backward.  Zorro lands up against a building.  Nestor comes over and throws a punch at Zorro but Zorro spins out of the way.  Nestor punches the building instead, leaving a big hole in its wall.  Nestor shakes his hand then starts to swing at Zorro again.]

Zorro [pointing forward]
Look! [Nestor turns and looks in the direction Zorro is pointing.] Your brother's escaped.

[Ramone turns and sees the empty noose then looks around the gallows.]

Ramone 
Lancers!  Find that little weasel!

[Nestor turns back to look at Zorro.]

Zorro
I am the one who got him into trouble.  I thought it was my duty to get him out of it.  Do we still have a quarrel?

[Nestor shakes his right hand again then extends it to Zorro.  Nestor's grip causes crunching noises as he and Zorro shake hands.  Zorro sighs.]

Zorro
Now maybe you can help me.

Nestor
How?

Zorro
How about we find the gold your brother was accused of stealing?

Nestor
Good idea.

Zorro
I know just where to start looking.  Come on.

[He puts his arm around Nestor's shoulders and they go to Zorro's left.]

Ramone [looking alarmed as he leans over the railing of the gallows]
Where are they going?  Lancers!

Mendoza
But, Alcalde, you just sent them away.

[Zorro and Nestor walk up to the front door of Ramone's office.]

Ramone [off camera]
Mendoza, do something!

Mendoza [off camera]
But, Alcalde. . .

[Nestor starts to slam his fist into the front doors of the office.]

Ramone [off camera]
No, not the. . . [Nestor smashes down the doors.] doors again.

Nestor [indicating the doorway to Zorro]
After you, my friend.

Zorro
You're too kind.

[He walks into the office followed by Nestor.  Ramone and Mendoza run across the plaza.]

[Interior shot of Ramone's office as Zorro and Nestor walk around inside.]

Zorro [pointing to his left]
Ah, the wall safe behind that shelf.

[Nestor goes over and pulls off the books from the shelf, tosses them to the floor, then yanks the shelf off the wall.  He looks inside the safe then throws up his hands.]

[Exterior shot of the plaza where Ramone stands cringing as loud thumping noises are heard off camera.  Don Alejandro, Mendoza, and Victoria come up and stand behind Ramone.]

[Interior shot of Ramone's office as Nestor and Zorro tip over Ramone's desk.]

[Exterior shot of the plaza where Mendoza stand nervously in front of Don Alejandro.]

[Interior shot of Ramone's office as Nestor points to his right.]

Nestor
The bookcase.

Zorro
It's possible.

[Nestor goes over to his right, throwing a chair out of his way as Zorro jumps back.  With one hand, Nestor pulls down the bookcase.  Zorro puts his hand on Nestor's shoulder as Nestor holds up his hands.]

[Closeup shot of Ramone as he cringes nervously.]

Ramone 
Please don't look under the. . .

[Interior shot of Ramone's office.]

Zorro [pointing downward]
Floorboards.

[Nestor points at Zorro and grins.]

[Closeup shot of Ramone as he closes his eyes and bows his head into his hand.]

[Interior shot of Ramone's office as Zorro opens up a trapdoor that was under a rug.  He tries to lift out the bag that is concealed there but can't.  Nestor reaches out and pulls out the bag with his left hand and holds it up into the air.]

Zorro [patting Nestor on the back]
Gracias, amigo.

Nestor [as Zorro laughs]
De nada.

[Closeup shot of Ramone's office front doorway as Nestor and Zorro step through it and into the plaza.  Nestor holds up the sack and shakes it so the coins clink together.  Zorro smiles then turns and whistles.  Toronado neighs off camera as Ramone looks up.]

Mendoza
The stolen gold, mi Alcalde.  It was you.

[Enrique comes up and stands at Ramone's left.  Ramone glances at him.  Enrique looks at him accusingly.]

Ramone 
Merely circumstantial evidence.

[Enrique nods angrily then walks away.  Nestor reaches out his right arm then he and Enrique embrace.  Nestor looks to his left where Zorro is now astride Toronado.  Zorro nods and smiles then rides away.  He stops in front of Victoria.]

Zorro
I understand you did an excellent job as head of the jury today.  My compliments.

[Victoria smiles up at him.]

Zorro [turning to Ramone]
And as for you. . .  I've heard all about the trial.  Return the money to your investor or I'll be back. . . [He looks over at Nestor who waves.] with my friend.  Adios.

[He rides off as Ramone sighs with relief as people cheer.]

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

[Exterior shot of the plaza as Diego and Don Alejandro stop as Enrique and Nestor walk up to them.]

Nestor
We've come to say goodbye.

Don Alejandro
Well, you better not take too long.  If the Alcalde finds you two here. . .

Enrique
No, it's all right. [He pulls a piece of paper from his coat pocket.] I've been given a free pardon.  Personally signed by the Alcalde himself.

Diego
Well, safe journey, gentlemen.

Nestor
Thank you.

[He and Enrique walk away.  Don Alejandro turns to face Diego.]

Don Alejandro
Diego, I want to say something.  You cut a very impressive figure yesterday in the courtroom. [Diego shakes his head.] No, no, no, no.  Now seriously, think about taking up the law.

Diego
Father, so long as Sergeant Mendoza was always my adversary, I could be the greatest attorney in the territory.

Don Alejandro
In the world.

[They both start laughing.]

*****END OF EPISODE***** 

Transcribed by Pamela Elbert Poland  11 & 15 May 2007

This transcription is a not-for-profit publication produced solely for the enjoyment of other Zorro fans and is not intended to infringe upon any rights of Goodman/Rosen Productions, New World Television, Zorro Productions, the estate of Johnston McCulley or anyone else.

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