Written by Robert L McCullough
Directed by Ray Austin

First US Airdate: 17 Feb 1990   (Episodes 8, 9, 10, & 11)

[Shot of the pueblo gate with people going in and out of Los Angeles.  Luis Ramon and two soldiers ride through the gate and up to where Sergeant Mendoza and several other soldiers are waiting with a wagon filled with four or five male peasants.]

Ramon [to Mendoza]
Is this all you could find?

Mendoza
Able-bodied men are making themselves scarce, Alcalde.  Perhaps they heard about your plan.

[Don Alejandro and Victoria walk up to the wagon]

Don Alejandro
Señorita Escalante tells me your soldiers have been dragging men from their homes.

Ramon
Does she now?  These men have been recruited by the territorial government.

Victoria
As slave labor. [to Don Alejandro] Don Alejandro, it's inhuman.

Ramon
I would hardly characterize my efforts to improve the lot of this pueblo as inhuman.  Besides, these men are in need of meaningful work.

Don Alejandro
Just what kind of work?

Ramon
Construction of the Ramon Highway.  It will provide us with a direct link to the port of San Pedro.

Victoria [incredulously]
The Ramon Highway?

Ramon
What better way to commemorate my years of public service?

Don Alejandro
With forced labor?

Ramon
Progress does not come with some sacrifices, Don Alejandro.

Don Alejandro
The governor shall hear of this

Ramon [rolling his eyes]
In Monterey?  I doubt it.

Don Alejandro
From my own lips.

[He turns and walks away with Victoria joining him after giving the Alcalde the evil eye.]

Ramon [to Mendoza]
Señor de la Vega does not go north.

Mendoza
But Alcalde...

Ramón [threateningly]
That is an order.

[He rides away.]

[Exterior shot of the front of the de la Vega hacienda.  Felipe comes out the door carrying saddlebags on his shoulders followed by Don Alejandro and Diego. A saddled horse waits by the gate.]

Diego
I should really be going with you.

Don Alejandro
Oh, Monterey's a long way off, Diego.  At least a week's ride.  Besides, I need you here.

Diego
You're sure Don Sebastian is meeting you?

Don Alejandro
At the trailhead. [He pats Diego on the shoulder.] Don't worry.  We'll be fine.

[Don Alejandro mounts his horse.]

Don Alejandro
Things will change for all of us when the governor hears of this alcalde.  Adios

[He waves as he rides away from the hacienda.]

Diego [returning the wave]
Adios

[Diego walks over to where Felipe is standing by the gate and they both watch as Don Alejandro disappears in the distance.  Felipe points in Don Alejandro's direction and shakes his head.]

Diego
Yes, Felipe.  Knowing the Alcalde works, my father may be in need of Zorro's help.

[Don Alejandro and Don Sebastian are riding down a hillside when they hear other horses approaching.  The two men are quickly surrounded by a battalion of lancer led by Sergeant Mendoza.]

Mendoza [authoritatively]
Señor de la Vega!  You are hereby ordered to return to the pueblo!

Zorro [shouting from the top of the hill]
Sergeant!  It's such a nice day for a ride.

Mendoza
Zorro!  Seize him!

[Don Alejandro smiles and salutes Zorro as the soldiers ride off in pursuit.  Don Alejandro and Don Sebastian continue on their journey unmolested.

Zorro leads the lancer on a merry chase, around trees and rocks.  He doubles back and ends up behind the soldiers.  Zorro whistles and waves, drawing their attention.  He rides off as the lancers follow in hot pursuit.

Zorro is at the top of the ridge when two soldiers spot him and fire their muskets at him.  They missed but the noise causes Toronado to rear up.  Zorro falls off the horse and down into the canyon below.  Toronado runs away.

Mendoza and the other soldiers make their way to the rim of the arroyo and look down over the edge.]

Mendoza [waving his hand at the others]
(Something in Spanish that sounds like ‘mengas')  Zorro is dead.

[He and the other lancers stare down at Zorro's body at the bottom of the canyon.]

Mendoza
We must tell the Alcalde. [He waves his hand at the men again] (Something in Spanish that sounds like ‘ay oh say, ay oh say')

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

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega hacienda right before sunset.]

[Felipe is in the secret cave, blowing into then wiping out a glass funnel.  He turns around when he hears Toronado snort.  He see that Zorro is not in the saddle and is concerned.  He rushes over to Toronado, check him for injuries, then grabs the reins and mounts the horse.  Felipe has to nudge Toronado with his heels and hands several times before the snorting horse heads down the passageway to the outside.  Felipe ducks down just before entering the tunnel.]

[Zorro still lies at the bottom of the canyon.  Toronado brings Felipe to the top of the canyon rim then stops.  Felipe tries to get Toronado to move but the horse won't budge.  Felipe dismounts and looks about bewilderedly.  Toronado starts to push Felipe toward the edge of the canyon.  Finally Felipe see Zorro lying at the bottom.  He starts to climb down the side of the steep, rocky canyon.  It takes him several minutes to reach the bottom.  Then Felipe has to climb over some boulders before he can reach Zorro.  He removes Zorro's hat and begins to shake him.  Zorro wakes up slowly.]

Zorro
Ah.  Ah, Felipe. [He clutches his head, then he chuckles.] I fell.

[Felipe helps him as he struggles to sit up.  Felipe has to support him from behind.  Zorro gets dizzy and grabs his head again, obviously in a lot of pain.]

Zorro
My head.  This time Zorro outsmarted himself, huh?

[Felipe leans over and makes a fist so Zorro can see it.]

Zorro
I don't know, Felipe, there's no way out of here.  You better go.

[Felipe looks down at Zorro and shakes his head.]

Zorro [realizing Felipe isn't leaving]
Go!

[Felipe shakes his head again.  Zorro sighs as he leans back.]

Zorro
Stubborn.  Audacious.  Like me.  Like I've always been.  So sure of everything. . . so sure of everything.

[A worried Felipe looks on as Zorro passes out and flashes back. . . ]

[A much younger Diego and a very young Felipe emerge from a room and walk to the foyer of the hacienda.]

Diego [with his hand on Felipe's shoulder and Felipe looking up at him]
I don't want you to worry about a thing.  I'll write to you every month and before you know it, I'll be back.

[Felipe moves his fist up and down then points to Diego, then shrugs and put his arms out with his palms up.]

Diego [crouching down to Felipe's level]
I'm going to Madrid because I want to study all the sciences.  And when I return, I'll teach you everything I know.

[Felipe lunges forward and back as if he has a sword in his hand.]

Diego [chuckling]
Yes.  I'll teach you any bit of swordsmanship I learn as well.

[Diego stands up then he and Felipe begin to walk toward Don Alejandro.]

Don Alejandro
You'll do more than pick it up.  I've arranged for you to study with Sir Edmund Kendall, the European saber master.

Diego
The saber?  I have no intention of killing anyone.

Don Alejandro
Well, neither have I.  But we live in unpredictable times.

Diego
Perhaps I should stay.

Don Alejandro
No, no.  In four years, you'll return a mature, educated, young man ready for leadership among the caballeros.

Diego [glancing down at Felipe]
What of other responsibilities?  Without the ability to hear, he'll be severely handicapped.

Don Alejandro [chuckling]
I taught you to read and write, didn't I?  Don't worry. [He goes over and touches Felipe's head.] Even though he's deaf, I'll see to it he's well-schooled when you returned.

[Don Alejandro glances at his pocket watch.]

Don Alejandro
Now, hurry along.  Your ship sails in less than twelve hours.

[Felipe runs out the door as Diego and Don Alejandro embrace.]

[Diego and Don Alejandro walk outside where a carriage is waiting at the gate.  Diego touches Felipe on the head before climbing into the carriage.  The driver urges the horses and the carriage goes down the road.  Diego stands up and turns around to wave at Don Alejandro and Felipe.]

[Exterior shot of a large building, captioned ‘Madrid University']

[Diego and Sir Edmund Kendall are in the middle of a fencing lesson in a large courtyard.  It is obvious that Diego's mind is elsewhere as he is less than graceful.  Diego stumbles, allowing Sir Edmund to disarm him, his sword falling to the ground.  Diego stands with his hands on his hips and shakes his head.]

Sir Edmund
It's incredible.  Is this all we have to show for nearly four years?

Diego
I'm sorry, Sir Edmund, but...

Sir Edmund [mockingly]
But, but, but.  Do your studies weigh too heavily on you, Diego?

Diego [defensively]
My studies are no problem.

Sir Edmund
Good, because a man who buries his nose in books never sees the real world, and the real world demands a man be able to defend himself

[He kicks Diego's sword up into the air.  Diego catches it.]

Sir Edmund
En garde!

[The two men circled each other, each making tentative thrusts as they continued their conversation.]

Diego [casually]
I hear things in Los Angeles are not going well.

Sir Edmund
Do you think that's why your father sent you here, to keep you out of harm's way?

Diego
No, I think he sent me here to learn, to grow.

Sir Edmund
Precisely.  And when my job is done, I will send to Los Angeles a man of whom a father can be proud.  A man who can fight!

[Sir Edmund pulls a dagger hidden in his waistband and lunges at diego.  Diego skillfully parries each blade thrust.  He grabs Kendall's wrist and hits it against his lifted knee, causing the knife to clatter to the tiled floor.  Sir Edmund looks up at him, a huge smile on his face.]

Sir Edmund
Ah, the puppy can bite.

[They engage their swords again, intensifying the battle.  After only a few minutes, however, Diego catches Sir Edmund off guard and puts his blade against the older man's throat.  Sir Edmund's grin is even broader as Diego lowers his saber.]

Sir Edmund
You've been holding back on me, haven't you?

[Diego's expression is one of innocence as he nonchalantly shrugs his shoulders.  But his eyes twinkle mischievously as he brings up his saber in a salute.  Diego and Sir Edmund continued the lesson.]

[Later that same day, Diego is walking down a corridor at the university.  His nose is again in a book.  He is so intent on what he is reading, he nearly collides with Sir Edmund.]

Sir Edmund
Diego

Diego [looking up from his book]
Ah, Sir Edmund.  I've just discovered a theory that applies Euclidian trigonometric principles to da Vinci's early mechanics as a demonstration of...

Sir Edmund [interrupting with a smile]
You and your books. [His smiles disappears as his countenance becomes serious.]  Diego, I have just received a letter from your father.  The rumors we have heard about California are true.  Your father want to know if I think you're ready to go home yet.

Diego [taken aback]
Well, earlier today, you were saying I had so much to learn.

Sir Edmund
Don't we all?  As for me, ‘all I know is that I know nothing.'

Diego
Socrates

Sir Edmund [with a grin]
Very good. [He immediately becomes somber again.]  You've been a superb pupil, Diego.  Now you must be a superb man.  Take this.

[He unhooks the scabbard that contains the magnificent sword he always wears from his belt and hands it to Diego.]

Diego [confused as he takes the sword]
I don't understand

Sir Edmund
You're the first student to ever best me in the courtyard.  You've earned it.

Diego
This is your championship saber.

Sir Edmund
You'll have to work with it, become accustomed to its weight.

[Diego lifts the sheathed sword in his hands, testing its heft.]

Diego
It is heavy, isn't it?

Sir Edmund
And its Toledo blade has never been defeated in competition.  My only prayer is that is does as well in the heat of battle

Diego
And mine will be that it never draws blood.

Sir Edmund
A worthy goal, Diego.  But the fight for justice often demands more than intellect.

Diego
But what about everything I've learned here at the university, the sciences, history, political strategy.  Aren't those skills the most valuable?

Sir Edmund
In a utopian world, yes.  But in this world, there is often greater value in daring, self-reliance, intrepid courage and sharp Toledo steel. [A smile comes to his face.]

[Diego grins back before unsheathing the saber from it scabbard.  He look at it admiringly.]

[A shot of a ship sailing through the water]

[A carriage pulls up in front of the de la Vega hacienda.  Diego leaps out of the carriage before it comes to a full stop.]

Diego [over his shoulder to the driver]
Gracias

[He walks through the gate, his black cape flowing behind him,  where he is met by Don alejandro and Felipe who emerge from the hacienda.]

Don Alejandro
Diego, welcome home.

[He and Diego embrace.  Don alejandro then steps back to look at Diego, his face split with a wide smile.]

Diego
I came as soon as I could

Don Alejandro
Well, they put some meat on you I see.

Diego
And filled my head with ideas as well.

Don Alejandro
Good, good.  I can't wait to hear all about it.

[Diego finally turns his attention to Felipe who stands behind Don Alejandro,  waiting to be acknowledged.
Diego [teasingly]
Well, who's this?

Don Alejandro [joining in]
Oh, new man I hired.

Diego
Whatever happened to that little boy, that fellow who was always underfoot? What was his name?

Don Alejandro
Felipe?

Diego
That's it.  What ever happened to him?

[Felipe places his hands on his chest, indicating he is Felipe.  Diego looks at him in mock disbelief.]

Diego
You're Felipe?  Ah, that's impossible. [Diego holds his hand about four feet from the ground.]  He was just this tall when I left.

[Felipe places his hand at about the same height as Diego's hand, then brings it up to the top of his head.] showing his mentor how much he had grown during the time he had been away.

Diego
Then give me a hug before you're too big to hold.

[Felipe embraces Diego with a huge grin on his face]

Diego [shooting a worried look over Felipe's shoulder at Don Alejandro]
Any change?

Don Alejandro [shaking his head]
The boy still can't hear a thing, Diego.

[Felipe steps out of Diego's arms and looks up happily at him.  A large patrol of soldiers thundered by the hacienda, led by a man dressed in civilian clothes.  Diego and Don Alejandro turn to stare as the soldiers pass by.  Felipe only turns around to look after  noticing Diego and Don Alejandro already doing so.]

Diego
What's all this?  What's all this about?

Don Alejandro [shaking his head again]
It's why I sent for you.

[Diego walking inside the hacienda, taking off his cape.  He is followed by Don Alejandro.]

Diego
Ah, it's so good to be home.

Don Alejandro
It's good to have you home.

[Diego drops his cape on the piano stool before running a finger up the keyboard.  He claps his hands together as he walks into the dining room.  He then turns to face Don Alejandro.]

Diego [a bit nervously]
Have you seen Victoria Escalante?  Is she well?

Don Alejandro
Ah, she's grown since you left.  She's a woman now.

Diego [nodding]
She hasn't married or anything, has she?

Don Alejandro
No.  But since she's inherited the tavern, she's become quite a businesswoman.

Diego [fiddling with a statue]
Really?  Well, perhaps I'll pay her a little visit sometime.

Don Alejandro
The caballeros are looking forward to seeing you in the pueblo.  We need every man we can get.

[Don Alejandro walks over to a table and picks up a long object wrapped in black fabric.]

Don Alejandro [handing the package to Diego]
And you're going to need this.

Diego [accepting the package]
And what's this? [He unwraps it enough to reveal the hilt of a sword.]  A sword?.

Don Alejandro
A man has to take care of himself these days.

Diego [shaking his head]
I don't understand.  The pueblo's secure.  Those soldiers outside looked rather well-trained.

Don Alejandro [shaking his head]
Indeed.  They don't protect our people, they exploit them. [He eyes the weapon in Diego's hand.]  You can handle that?

[Diego pulls the sword from the black cloth and holds it aloft.]

Diego
Seems a little light, don't you think?

Don Alejandro
It's a beginner's weight.  Just don't hurt yourself with it, that's all.

Diego [smiling wryly]
Father, I think there is something you should know...

Don Alejandro [interrupting]
I know, you didn't have time to complete your studies with Sir Edmund.   [He grasps Diego's left shoulder.] Ah, well, we'll just have to do the best we can.

[Don Alejandro leaves the room.  Diego looks at the sword in his hand.  He glances over shoulder in the direction Don Alejandro took and shakes his head.]

[Exterior shot of the tavern]

Victoria [off camera at first, then she is carrying a pitcher and walking around a table full of soldiers taking their meal orders]
An arroz con pollo for you. [She looks at a soldier across the table.] Romolades for you? [The soldier nods as she walks around behind the lancer sitting at the end of the table.] And, um, for you, Corporal?

Corporal
My only hunger is for your affections, Señorita.

[Victoria throws her head back and rolls her eyes.]

Victoria
I do not fraternize with my customers, especially when they wear uniforms.

[The corporal reaches out and grabs Victoria by her hips.  He runs his hands up and down her body.]

Corporal
This is not just any uniform.  This is the uniform of the colonial military government.  You should be flattered.

Victoria
Then why am I disgusted

[She pours the contents of the pitcher over the corporal's head.  He lets go of her and is laughed at by the other soldiers at his table.  Victoria turns away, smiling smugly, and sets the empty pitcher on a nearby table.
Diego and Don Alejandro enter the tavern then, catching her eye.  Diego sees Victoria standing there and is obviously attracted to her.]

Don Alejandro
Diego, you remember Señorita Escalante?

[Diego stares at Victoria, who stares back.  Diego lifts her hand to his lips.]

Diego
Indeed...but you've changed.  For the better that is.

Victoria
Thank you, Diego. [After an awkward pause] You've changed too.  You wear the sword of a caballero.

Don Alejandro
Diego's returned to assume his proper place in the community. [He sees someone.] Ah, Sebastian.  Excuse me.

[He goes over to his friend's table.  Diego and Victoria continue to stare at each other.]

Diego
He's a popular man.

Victoria [turning to look at Don Alejandro and then back at Diego]
Yes, and courageous too.  You should hear how he speaks out against the Alcalde

[The soldier grabs her arm and spins her around.]

Soldier
You owe me apology.

Victoria [struggling]
Let go of me!

[The soldier laughs and holds her tighter.]

Diego [grabbing the soldier's arm and pushing him away]
The señorita said let go!

Soldier [shaking his finger in Diego's face]
Just who do you think you are?

Don Alejandro [entering the encounter]
This is my son, corporal.  He's just returned from Spain.

Diego [getting in the soldier's face]
Where among other things, I learned how to treat a lady.

Soldier
And how to insult the uniform of the colonial military government?

[Don Alejandro puts a hand on each of the men's shoulders.]

Don Alejandro
Gentlemen, let's not let this get out of hand.

Soldier [pushing Don Alejandro away, causing him to stumble backward]
Out of the way, Sir

Diego
You need a lesson in manners, Corporal.

[Mendoza enters the tavern.]

Mendoza
What is going on here, Corporal?

Soldier [shaking his finger in Diego's face again]
This man has challenged me.

Victoria
And with good reason too. [She glances up at Diego.] Thank you, Diego.

Mendoza
Diego? [He looks over at Don Alejandro and smiles.] Diego de la Vega, your son?

Diego [reaching out to shake Mendoza's hand]
Please to meet you, Sergeant

Mendoza
Sergeant Jaime Mendoza.  Permit me to welcome you to our pueblo de Los Angeles...and to collect the traveler's tax.

Don Alejandro
Traveler's tax?  This is preposterous!

Diego
How much is it, Sergeant?

Mendoza
Five pesos.  It's not much but it adds up.

Victoria [to Diego]
If they could, they would tax the very air that we breathe.

[She turns and walks away.]

Mendoza [pensively]
Actually, the Alcalde is working on something.

Diego
And what if one refuses to pay such a tax?

Mendoza
The Alcalde becomes very angry and that is not a pretty sight, Señor.

[Two gun shots are heard coming from the plaza. Ramon is walking in front of a line of bound peasants.]

Ramón
The next shots will not be aimed over your miserable heads, but into your rebellious hearts.

[Victoria, Diego, Don Alejandro, and Mendoza emerge from the tavern into the plaza.

Don Alejandro
Alcalde, what's going on here?

Ramón
It's quite simple.  These vermin refuse to pay any portion of their taxes.

Victoria [pleadingly]
These are poor farmer.  They have no money for taxes.

Ramón [as Victoria places her hand on her forehead]
The fact remains that these disloyal reprobates only understand one thing - force!

Victoria [quietly to Diego]
Just don't stand there.  Do something.

[Diego puts up his hand as Ramón continues talking.]

Ramón
And force is what they will get.

Diego
Just how does the government intend to spend these new tax revenues?

Ramón [mockingly]
You must know who I am.

Diego
Oh, I know who you are, all right.  Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Diego de la Vega from Spain.

[Ramón slaps at Diego with the gloves he holds in his hands.  Diego is angered.]

Diego
You bear the rank of a gentleman.  Why not act like one?

Ramón [smirking]
Is that a challenge, de la Vega?

Diego
If it were, my sword would be at your throat.

Ramón [through gritted teeth]
Only long enough for my soldiers to put a bullet through your head.

[Diego reaches for his sword but Don Alejandro grabs his arm to stop him.]

Don Alejandro
Not now, Diego.

Ramón
Listen to your father.  Be careful or you will regret ever coming back to Los Angeles.

[He glares at Diego for moment then turns his head and shout to his soldiers.]

Ramón
Bring the prisoners to the cuartel!

[Ramón walks across the plaza, following the prisoners being led into the garrison.]

Victoria [looking up at Diego excitedly]
Would you have challenged the Alcalde?

Diego [staring in the direction of the cuartel]
The Alcalde has clearly lost his mind.

Don Alejandro
Somebody's going to have to challenge him or we'll lost this pueblo.

[Scene fades out and back in to show Zorro and Felipe at the bottom of the cliff.]

Zorro [echoing Don Alejandro's words as he regains consciousness.]
Lose the pueblo, can't lose the pueblo

[Zorro opens his eyes and sees that Felipe is still there beside him.]

Zorro
Felipe, you're a good boy. [Felipe smiles.] Thank you for helping me.

[Zorro tries to sit up but stops because he is in pain.  He rests against the rock again.]

Zorro
I can't.  The pain.

[He touches his head and breathes heavily.]

[Near the top of the canyon, the soldiers return, led once again by Sergeant Mendoza.]

Mendoza [in a sing-song voice as he rides with the other soldiers]
Bring me the body, bring me the body.  Only the body is proof. [He changes back to his regular voice.] The Alcalde conveniently forgets how dangerous this ravine is.  After all, this ravine is what finally killed Zorro.  [He turns his head to speak to the men behind him.] Not just any man with a weapon.  Ah, Los Angeles will never be the same without him.  None of us will.  He was quite a guy, that Zorro.  Quite a guy.

[The soldiers keep riding.  At the bottom of the canyon, Zorro and Felipe hear their horses's hoof beats coming closer.]

Zorro
Soldiers.  The Alcalde's men [He struggles to get up.] If we don't get out of here, Zorro's work will be finished.

[He tries harder to get up but the effort causes him to pass out again.  Felipe makes the sign of the cross and worriedly looks upward.]

*****COMMERCIAL BREAK*****
[The soldiers near the rim of the canyon.  Mendoza guides his horse over some rocks.]

Mendoza
Careful, men.  Must be slippery around here.  Or else Zorro would have never fallen to his death.

[At the bottom of the canyon, Zorro and Felipe hear a horse's loud whinny.  Felipe looks around for a way to escape before pointing to the rock cliff and making climbing motions with his hands.]

Zorro
Climb out of here?  It's impossible [He puts his hand on his head again.] My head spins.
 

[Felipe then makes a ducking motion and puts his hands above his head.]

Zorro
Yes, hiding would be a good idea. [He scans his surroundings.] But there's nothing here.  I'm sorry, I can barely move. [He grabs Felipe's hand.] Felipe, listen to me.  Your loyalty has given me the courage to face death.  I've always been able to trust you. [He begins to black out again.] Always. . .  Always. . .

[Flashback to the de la Vega hacienda library, where Felipe is sweeping the carpet with a broom and dustpan.  His back is turned as Diego emerges from a panel that opens in the back of the fireplace.  Felipe senses another's presence and slowly turns around.  He is surprised to see Diego standing there.

Diego
Magic.

[He makes a spinning motion with his finger.]

Diego
Turn around.

[He places his hands on Felipe's shoulders and turns Felipe so Felipe is facing away from him.  Felipe tries to look over his shoulder at Diego.]

Diego [moving Felipe's head to face away from him]
Don't.  Look the other way.

[Behind Felipe's back, Diego presses a spot on the mantle and climbs back through the fireplace panel, disappearing when it closes.  Felipe turns around and finds that Diego has vanished.  He wanders about the room in confusion then does a second take as Diego comes through the fireplace panel again.]

Diego [chuckling]
It's alright.  Don't be scared.  Look.

[Diego shows Felipe the spot on the mantle he touched earlier.  The panel swings open to reveal a tunnel.]

Diego
That's a secret passageway.  And over here. . .

[He leads Felipe over to a bookcase and moves some books, behind which is a small hole.]

Diego
. . .is a viewing hole.  Now inside there, is a room that leads to a tunnel that goes into the hill behind the hacienda.

[Felipe gives Diego a questioning look.]

Diego
When the hacienda was first built, there was a constant threat of Indian attack.  A secret system of passageways would guarantee an avenue of escape.

[Felipe nods excitedly and smiles.]

Don Alejandro [off camera]
Diego!

[Diego turns his attention away from Felipe and the fireplace as Don Alejandro pokes his head around the corner of the library wall.]

Don Alejandro
The Alcalde has taken more prisoners

[He then leaves before Diego can say anything to him.  Diego turns to look at Felipe who is still fascinated by the fireplace panel.]

Diego
Oh, Felipe, our secret

[He places a finger against his lips as Felipe nods and does the same.  Diego leaves the room.  Felipe continues to open and close the panel.]

[Ramón sits at a table set up outside in the plaza.  He has a large pouch of money in front of him.  Sergeant Mendoza stands beside him, holding a ledger which he reads from.]

Mendoza
Pedro Garcia! [to Ramón] Three months behind on his property taxes.

[A man is lead up to the table by a lancer.]

Mendoza
Do you have any property?

Garcia [shaking his head]
No.

Ramón
But three months deserves three months.  At hard labor.

[Garcia is lead into the cuartel as Mendoza leans down to speak to Ramón.]

Mendoza
Alcalde, forgive me for saying, but are you being a little bit. . .

Ramón
Be careful, Sergeant or you will soon join Señor Garcia.

[Mendoza straightens up and reads from the book again.]

Mendoza
Fernando Reyes!

[A lancer walks out to lead Reyes forward but Victoria steps in front of the Alcalde's table first.]

Victoria [putting her hands on her hips]
What do you think you are doing?

Ramón
Enforcing the law, Señorita. [He motions with his hand.] Please, step aside.

Victoria
You are not a magistrate.  You have no right to do this.

Ramón
This is a summary tribunal court to enforce the territorial law against rebellious activity.  Under the emergency provisions of this law, I not only have the right, but the duty. [He smiles at her smarmily.]

Victoria [shaking with anger]
Oooh! [She turns and storms off.]

Ramón
Proceed, Sergeant.

Mendoza
Fernando Reyes.  Overheard uttering seditious statements.

Ramón
What were those statements?

Mendoza
Oh, it was very minor, Alcalde.  Nothing to be upset about.

Ramón [through clenched teeth]
What were they?

Mendoza [quoting from the ledger]
‘The alcalde is a snake.  Nothing more than the scum of the earth.'

Ramón [staring up at Reyes]
Six months hard labor.

[Reyes spits at Mendoza's feet.]

Ramón [sneering]
Make that a year.

[Reyes is led away, spitting toward Ramón as he goes.]

[Don Alejandro and Diego ride into the pueblo then.]

Mendoza
Francimo!

Don Alejandro
Alcalde!

[He and Diego dismount their horses]

Ramón [under his breath to Mendoza]
What does that rebel and his obnoxious son... [He speaks louder and rises to his feet] Ah, Don Alejandro, how good of you to come by.

Don Alejandro
I need a word with you

Ramón
Why I'm quite busy but I can always make time for such a distinguished pillar of our community.

Don Alejandro
The better part of my life has been spent in this territory, building this pueblo.  I have many friends.

Ramón
Are you running for public office, Señor?

Don Alejandro
If you go on like this, the caballeros can't guarantee the safety of you...or your men.

Diego [standing with his arms crossed over his chest]
You must know that many of our people favor revolution against your rule.

Ramón [sarcastically]
You don't say.

Don Alejandro
You can't bend all these people to your will.

Ramón
Ah, I have no intention of bending this people. [He sits back down and leans forward as he speaks.] I'm going to break them if they continue to resist me.

[Diego makes a rude noise and shakes his head in disbelief.]

Don Alejandro
I'm warning you, Alcalde.

Ramón
Is that a threat, Señor?

Don Alejandro
It doesn't have to be. [He nods his head to indicate the line of peasants.] They'll take things into their own hands.

Ramón
If there is anymore rebellious activity, I'll suppress it immediately.

[A lancer scampered up to Mendoza and whispers into his eyes.]

Diego
You can't put everyone in jail.

Ramón
No, but I can put your father behind bars, and if there's any more trouble, I will.  Happily.

Mendoza [leaning down to speak into Ramón's ear.]
Corporal Gomez just came from the tavern.  You better get there at once.

[Ramón slams his fist onto the table and gets up.  He and Mendoza head toward the tavern.]

[Inside the tavern, Victoria is addressing a crowd of customers.]

Victoria
He calls it the law.  I call it oppression.  He calls it justice.  I call it tyranny.  This is our land, our pueblo.  And when the government no longer serves the people, then perhaps it is time for the people to do more than just speak out.  Perhaps it is time for the people...[She pauses to draw a breath.] For the people to take action.

[Most of the customers nod their heads in agreement.  Ramón, Mendoza and several other soldiers stride into the building.  The customers scatter.]

Ramón
What do we have here, huh?  A meeting of rebellious traitors?

Victoria [defiantly]
Alcalde, we only want you to listen to reason.

Mendoza [pleadingly]
Señorita, please.

Victoria [not heeding the sergeant]
The law should only serve the people, not oppress them.

{Don Alejandro and Diego walk into in time to hear her last words.]

Ramón
You are under arrest. [He grabs Victoria's arm.] Come with me.

Victoria [struggling as Ramón tries to drag her away]
Let go of me!

Ramón
Come along.

Don Alejandro [stepping into Ramón's path]
Let go of her.

Ramón
Stay out of it, old man.

[Don Alejandro punches Ramón in the nose, knocking him backward.  Ramón lets go of Victoria's arm.]

Victoria
Oh!

[Diego tries to step forward but two soldiers cross their muskets in front of him, holding him back.  Ramón regains his footing.  He holds his nose then takes his hand away and see blood on his glove.  He smiles evilly.]

Ramón [pointing his finger at Don Alejandro]
You are under arrest. [He grabs Victoria' arm again and points his finger in her face.] You come with me.  This establishment is under military rule.  Mendoza, you are in charge. [He leads Victoria from the tavern.]

Mendoza [shocked]
Me?  I'm going to run this tavern?

[Don Alejandro is taken away by two lancers while Diego is still being contained by another pair.  Mendoza is looking around in disbelief.]

[In Ramón's office, Don Alejandro is standing in front of the Alcalde's desk.  Ramón is seated behind the desk.  Two lancers stand guard behind Don Alejandro.]

Don Alejandro
I hope you don't think the caballeros are going to sit still for this.

Ramón [toying with a small dagger]
They will soon learn that I only want what's good for this pueblo.

Don Alejandro
And just how will they learn that?

Ramón
You will make a formal statement.  In this statement, you will recant all remarks and activities disloyal to my administration.

Don Alejandro
Let me make one thing crystal clear.  My allegiance is to the crown of Spain, not you.

Ramón
It's amazing how a little time in my jail can clarify on's thinking. [He signals to one of the soldiers.] Take him away.

[The lancer leads Don Alejandro to the cells.  The door is thrown open and Diego strides in, looking furious.]

Diego
I demand the release of my father.

Ramón
Do you now?

Diego [defiantly]
Yes.  I do.

[Ramón gets to his feet to look Diego in the eyes.]

Ramón
Well, I can imagine how you feel, but try to see things from my point of view, Don Diego.  Your father is a respected elder in the pueblo.  His word carries a great deal of weight.

Diego
You don't put a man in jail for that.

Ramón
No, but I can put a man in jail for assault on a public official, for interfering with the administration of justice, and for fomenting revolution.

Diego
If my father wanted to lead a revolution, you would have been thrown out of this pueblo a long time ago.

Ramón
Then I don't think we don't have long to wait for him to declare his loyalty to my office.

Diego
Don't expect me to stand still for this. [He turns to leave.]

Ramón
I expect you to be a good son and not to get your father hurt. [He sits back down.]

Diego [pausing at the door]
If you want a fight, you'll get one.

Ramón [with a false smile]
Ah, Don Diego, if I have any trouble with the caballeros, I'll know you're behind it.  And there's always room in my jail for another de la Vega. [His smile turns into a sneer.]

[Diego goes out the door.]

[In the tavern, Mendoza is tending bar, his jacket and hat gone and an apron around his waist.  The bar is lined with soldiers from the cuartel]

Mendoza
Come on, come on, men, let me see some silver.  I can't run this place on my good looks and your bad credit, you know.

[Some of the lancers slide coins across the counter to Mendoza as others lift their glasses.]

Mendoza [sighing contentedly]
Ah, this truly is the life I was made for.  Much safer that being a soldier.  All those horses, guns, banditos...[He waves his hand.] A terrifying business.

[Diego strolls into the tavern as Mendoza talks, pausing to shake the hands of a couple of his father's friends.  He makes his way to the bar where Mendoza is holding court.]

Mendoza
I remember once when I was a young man, serving under General Cordoba in the Indian campaigns.  I was constantly terrified.  We were after a band of renegade Indians, who had been ruthlessly terrorizing...the Arizona mission.  They would raid a village with warning, and then they would vanish into the prairie.  It was like we were chasing phantoms.  They would be there one moment and then ‘whoosh' [He waves his hand in the air}, the next they'd be gone.

Diego
Surely trained soldiers weren't frightened by such tactics?

Mendoza
Oh, no, no, it wasn't the Indians we were afraid of.  We were always prepared to fight them.  It was...it was not knowing.  And when they attacked at night...

Diego [interrupting]
The dark frightens you, Sergeant?

Mendoza
Señor, at night we couldn't even see their faces.

Diego
So it's the unknown that bothers you?

Mendoza
A soldier is not trained to deal with the unknown.  It is the unexplained, the mysterious, that promotes fear.  And fear is a soldier's greatest enemy. [He breaks the mood by chuckling.] Of course, I have nothing to fear now.  Except maybe the wine going bad.

Diego
What about the new alcalde?  You don't fear him?

Mendoza
Oh, no.  Once things settle down, he will be a pussycat.

Diego
Then help me get my father and Señorita Escalante out of jail.

Mendoza
Don Diego, as soon as the threat of rebellion has ended, I'm sure the Alcalde will release them.

Diego
But until then, what am I supposed to do?  Let them languish behind bars?

Mendoza
Oh, it's not so bad.  Garrison prisoners eat the same food as the soldiers. [He chuckles again.] Tonight they're serving chilebeli.

[Diego shakes his head in disgust and departs the tavern.  Mendoza collects more coins from the drinking lancers.]

Mendoza
Bueno.

[Exterior shot of the Alcalde's office.  Inside Victoria is seated at Ramón's desk.  Ramón is standing beside her, offering her a plate of food.]

Victoria
I would rather eat garbage.

[She slaps the plate from his hand and it falls to the floor.]

Ramón
Be reasonable, Señorita.  You do not answer my questions. [He sits down on a corner of his desk.] You do not accept my hospitality.  What am I to do with you?

Victoria
You can start by letting me go.

Ramón
Your failure to cooperate can only mean you support the traitors who undermine my authority.

Victoria
Authority?  You have no authority.

Ramón [through gritted teeth]
I am the Alcalde.

Victoria
And that is all that you are.  The people are the people.

Ramón
I know they speak against me at the tavern.  I want to know who.  I want names.

Victoria
Never.

Ramón
Never say never, Señorita. [He touches his hand to her chin and moves her head, making her look at him.  He leers at her.] There are always ways to make you talk.

[Victoria looks scared as Ramón smiles at her with his evil leer.]

[Diego and Felipe are walking through the hacienda later that day.  Suddenly Felipe grabs Diego's arms]

Diego
What is...?

[Felipe lead him to the fireplace and presses the spot under the mantle, causing the back panel to open.]

Diego
Felipe, this is no time for games.

[Felipe shakes his head, indicating it is not a game.  He motions for Diego to follow him through the fireplace.  Diego complies.  They emerge from the tunnel into a large cave.  Felipe is signing to Diego.]

Diego
There's something down here?

[Felipe points at a fox, who is walking back and forth against a far wall and whimpering.]

Diego [as he and Felipe crouch down slowly]
A fox.

[They watch it for a few moments.]

Diego
It's amazing with everyone hunting them for such beautiful pelts, how those creatures of the night manage to survive.

[Felipe points to the fox, makes another sign, then points at his own head.]

Diego
Yes, cunning and intelligence.

[He smiles and pats Felipe on the shoulder, then they both stand up.  Felipe turns to leave.  The fox whimpers again which causes Felipe to turn his head to look at it.  Diego looks at him oddly.]

Diego
Felipe, you heard that. [Felipe hangs his head.  Diego touches his shoulder.] Felipe, look at me. [The boy raises his head but looks worried.] You can hear, can't you? [Diego smiles broadly and Felipe visibly relaxes.]  That's wonderful!

[Diego pulls Felipe into an embrace.  Then his expression changes from one of happiness to one of confusion. He then moves back an arm's length away but still holding onto Felipe's shoulders.]

Diego
Why didn't you let us know?

[Felipe makes a series of gestures including stroking his chin (meaning Don Alejandro) and miming pushing away something.]

Diego
Because of my father?

[Felipe continues gesturing.]

Diego
Felipe, my father would never treat you differently if he knew you could hear.  He loves you, we all do.  We'll talk of this later.

[Felipe goes on ahead but Diego turns around to stare at the fox again.  An idea is obviously fomenting in his mind.]

[A black clad figure skulks around in the de la Vega hacienda.  Coming around a corner, it confronts Felipe, who is taken aback by the man with a black mask covering half his face.  Felipe takes several steps backward as the man nears.  The man smiles and chuckles.]

Diego
It's me, Felipe. Really.

[He lifts his mask so Felipe can see his face.  Felipe is relieved.]

Diego
Please to see it's so effective.

[Felipe makes a gesture over his eyes and shakes his head as if to ask why.]

Diego
A disguise will protect our friends from any governmental retribution. I'll need something to conceal myself a bit more. [He spins around and faces Felipe again.] Perhaps a cape. [He smiles excitedly.]

[Felipe returns his smile then hangs his head down, something obviously bothering him.]

Diego [coming toward Felipe]
What's wrong, Felipe?

[Felipe points to Diego, then to his own lips, points to Diego again, then strokes his chin, then points to his right ear.]

Diego [putting his black gloved hands on Felipe's shoulders]
Without knowing it, you may have done us all a great service.

[Felipe looks at him in confusion.]

Diego
We'll keep the cave a secret.  And your hearing.

[Felipe smiles and nods in agreement.]

Diego [drawing out Sir Edmund's sword]
This will be our secret too.  Not even my father knows of this.  It was given to me by Sir Edmund Kendall, my fightmaster.

[Felipe reaches out and touches the blade, pricking his finger.]

Diego
Ah, sharp.  Strong too.

[Felipe makes slashing motions with his hands.]

Diego [turning around and walking toward a credenza where two candelabra are lit]
Yes, I know.  I must convince people I am weak-willed. [He spins around to face Felipe again.] A bit too studious.

[Felipe nods.]

Diego [clenching his fist]
Like the fox that is timid and frail, so do I share his instinct for survival.

[He turns around again, brandishing his sword.  With the tip of his blade, he snuffs out the flames of six candles.  Felipe is very impressed.  Zorro turns again to face Felipe, a determined look on his face as he salutes with his sword.]

Zorro
Justice will be ours

[At night in the pueblo, Felipe drives a wagon full of hay through the town's gate.  Zorro emerges from under the hay as the wagon nears the cuartel.  Zorro scales the side of the building and walks across its tile roof.  He finds a skylight, opens it, then drops down through it onto the rafters, and lands on the floor of the Alcalde's unoccupied office.  He goes over to the door that leads to the cells and opens it.]

Zorro [entering the jail area]
Buenas noches

[In their cells, Don Alejandro and Victoria get to their feet and stare at the masked man.]

Don Alejandro
Who are you?

Victoria
What are you?

Zorro
A creature of the night.  Like a fox.  El Zorro.

Victoria
El Zorro?

[Zorro walks across the front of their cells]

Zorro
Perhaps you'd like to leave.

Don Alejandro
How do we know you don't work for the Alcalde?  [He glances over at Victoria.] Maybe he just wants an excuse to shoot us.

Zorro
Then he'll have to shoot me first.

[Zorro reaches out and takes the cell keys from the nail they are hanging on.]

Zorro
If it's freedom you want, follow me.

[He unlocks Victoria's cell door first, then Don Alejandro's, opening both doors slightly.  He tosses the key ring  which lands back on the nail.  Victoria and Don Alejandro look at each other in amazement.  Don Alejandro grabs his jacket and then he and Victoria walk out of their cells.

Zorro opens the door leading out of the cuartel and checks to make sure the coast is clear.  He holds the door open as first Don Alejandro walks out, putting on his jacket.  Victoria follows behind, but slowly walks past Zorro, staring intently at his masked face.  Then she and Don Alejandro run across the plaza.

Zorro goes back into the cuartel, closing the wooden door until just a crack is visible.  A lancer comes up in front of the door, his hand on his sword, looking in the direction that the two escapees have just taken.  Zorro opens the door and taps the lancer on the shoulder.  When the soldier turns around, Zorro punches him in the face, knocking the lancer to the ground.

Zorro takes about three steps to his left before spinning around, obviously sensing a presence behind him.  It is a terrified Sergeant Mendoza.]

Mendoza
Oh, my God, it's a demon!

[Ramón walks out the front door of his office behind Mendoza.]

Zorro [tipping his head slightly]
I am Zorro.

[Ramón snarls at Zorro and then comes at him, sword drawn.  Zorro unsheathes his saber and parries Ramón's attack.  The two exchanges blows until Zorro blocks a thrust from Ramón and presses his blade down so the other man cannot lift it.]

Zorro
I do wish I could stay for such sport, but I really must be going.

[He lifts his saber and hacks off Ramón's blade just mere inches from its hilt.]

Zorro
I look forward to our next encounter, Señor.

[Zorro raises his blade in a salute then turns and leaves.  Ramón watches him go then stares down at what is left of his sword.]

[Mendoza is leading a group of soldiers through the trees and brush of a hillside.  He turns in his saddle to address his men.]

Mendoza
Be careful men.  It was around here that Zorro fell.

[They stop then and dismount.  Mendoza and the other lancers walk up to the edge of a cliff, peering over its edge.

At the bottom of the ravine, out of view, Zorro lies on his back against a boulder with Felipe at his side.  Felipe is griping Zorro's hand.]

Zorro
Felipe, they found us.

[Felipe looks around]

Zorro
Go on!  Go! [Felipe shakes his head.] Hide! Yes!

[Felipe makes a motion of drawing a sword and then fighting with it.  Zorro shakes his injured head.]

Zorro
No, there's no time for fighting.  Go!  Felipe, if Zorro is to die, he must die alone.  Now go!

[Felipe shakes his head again stubbornly.  He then taps two of his fingers against his temple and goes.  Zorro lies there, shaking with pain.]

[At the tavern, Victoria is serving drinks to some customers at a table, a smile on her face.  She starts to take the empty tray back to the bar when Ramón enters the tavern.]

Ramón
A bottle of your best vintage, Señorita.  It's time to celebrate.

[Victoria walks behind the bar and sets the tray aside as Ramón slaps his hand on the counter top.]

Victoria
And what is the occasion?  Did you collect some new taxes?

[She turns around to fetch the requested bottle.]

Ramón [grinning evilly]
Zorro is dead.

[Victoria spins around, a look of dread on her face.  Then she puts on a brave smile.]

Victoria
That's impossible.  No one can kill Zorro.

Ramón
He fell off the bluffs at Cañon Perdito.  My men are there right there, retrieving the body.

[He turns a quarter turn so he is no longer facing her, but the evil grin still adorns his face.  Victoria looks extremely worried.]

[Mendoza and another soldier stand near the edge of the cliff when suddenly the lancer points at something below.]

Lancer
Sergeant Mendoza!  Look!

[Mendoza peers over the edge.  At the bottom of the canyon, what appears to be the body of Zorro is lying there among the rocks.]

Mendoza
It is Zorro.  And he is dead.

[Mendoza makes the sign of the cross, then removes his hat.]

Mendoza
You and I were so much alike, Zorro.  Men of incredible courage, tremendous skill.  If only the Alcalde knew you like I did.  We were truly brothers of the heart.  Adios amigo.

[Three soldiers are standing there, holding their muskets.]

Mendoza
Ready! [The lancers raised their muskets.]  Aim! [They obey.]  Fire!

[The soldiers fire their weapons at Zorro's body as Mendoza closes his eyes.]

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

[One of the lancers throws a rope down into the canyon and starts to climb down it.  Mendoza grabs his arm.]

Mendoza
No, no, I'll go first.

[The soldier hands the rope to Mendoza, who uneasily climbs down into the arroyo.]

Mendoza
Madre de Dios.

[The other lancers throw more ropes down and climb down as well.  Mendoza is rather shaky as he descends.]

Gomez [who is next to Mendoza]
Sergeant, just don't look down.  Don't even think about falling

Mendoza
It's not the fall that worries me, it's the landing that I'm afraid of

[The soldiers finally make it down to the bottom of the canyon.  Corporal Gomez kicks at what they think is Zorro's corpse.  He picks up the cape which reveals there are just some branches underneath it.]

Gomez
He's not dead.

Mendoza [happily]
He's not? [Then speaking in a more authoritative tone.] I mean, he's not.  He was here somewhere.  We just saw him.

Gomez [holding the hat and cape]
What we saw was this.  He has tricked us again, Sergeant.  The Alcalde is going to have our heads.

Mendoza [waving his arms around]
Quickly men, search the area!  He must be in the bushes.

[The soldiers scatter in four different directions]

[At the top of the cliff, the soldiers's horses are tied to a line stretched between a couple of trees.  Toronado comes up to them and chews his way through the rope.  He rears up and whinnies at the other horses, trying to drive them away.  The soldiers below hear the commotion.]

Mendoza
Zorro!  He's escaping!  Come on!

[He waves his arm at the other men and they all scramble back to the canyon wall.  The lancers's horses all run off as Toronado watches them leave.  The soldiers reach the wall.  Gomez is carrying Zorro's hat and cape.  He hands them to the next man in line, Mendoza.]

Mendoza [handing them to the man behind him]
Take them.

[That soldier turns and gives them to the man behind him.  Then that lancer turn and gives them to the last man in line.  That man turns and tries to give them away as well but finds no one else behind them.  He stuffs them under his tunic then turns and follows his companions.]

[Two figures emerge from a murky pond.  Zorro helps Felipe out of the water, then they both collapse against a rock, smiles on their faces.  They are holding hollowed out reed that they had used a breathing tubes as they hid under the water.  They look at each other.]

Zorro [as Felipe nods]
Yes, we've been very lucky.

[Mendoza reaches the top of the canyon and sees the empty rope lying on the ground.]

Mendoza
The horses!  They are all gone.  Zorro is not dead at all.  Not even bullets can kill him.

[The other lancers reach the top of the cliff.]

Gomez [to Mendoza]
Without our horses, how...how are we going to make it back to the pueblo?

Mendoza [sternly]
Corporal Gomez, what is the first thing a soldier learns?

Gomez
Why, to march.  But it is ten miles back to the pueblo.

Mendoza [sarcastically]
Well perhaps you would like me to go back to the cuartel.  I can tell the Alcalde that you and the men would like some fresh horses sent out to you.  Okay?

Gomez [naively]
The Alcalde would do that?

Mendoza
Yes.  And in the morning he will have you shot.  So march!

[Mendoza storms off and the other lancers follow him.]

[Zorro sits up and reaches for his sword before pressing one of his hands against his head.  Felipe comes running out of the bushes and sits down beside him.    He points in the direction that the lancers took, then squares back his shoulder and sticks out his chest (his gesture for soldiers), makes climbing motions with his hands, then shrugs his shoulders and looks bewilderedly at Zorro.]

Zorro
I don't know what happened.  I don't why the soldiers left.  My guess is that Toronado is somewhere, up there.

[Felipe smiles and nods his head after gesturing out of camera range.

Zorro
Yes.  Toronado has always been a faithful ally.

[Zorro then groans with pain and slowly leans over to one side.]

Zorro [fading]
Toronado, Toronado.

[Felipe and Zorro enter the secret cave.]

Zorro [handing Felipe his cape]
That was too close.  Another moment's delay and you would have been identified in the plaza.

[Felipe shrugs.]

Zorro [taking off his gloves]
Perhaps you're too brave.  If you're linked to the man who saved my father and Victoria, that could lead the Alcalde directly to me.

[He hands the gloves to Felipe before unbuckling his belt .]

Zorro
No, I need to be able to ride at night without being identified as Don Diego de la Vega.

[He takes off his hat and hands it to Felipe.]

Zorro
No, what I need is a good horse.  A horse no one was ever seen before.

[He walks away as he unties then removes his mask .]

[At dawn, Diego emerges from the back panel of the fireplace, buttoning up his shirt. He steps out into the library, glancing around to make sure nobody is watching him.  He then strolls across the foyer just as Don Alejandro and Victoria comes through the front door.[

Don Alejandro
Diego!

Diego [nonchalantly]
Hello, Father.

[Diego takes a couple more steps before doing a double take and spinning around to face them.]

Diego
Father!  What are you doing here?

Victoria
Your father and I escaped from the jail.  It was incredible.

Diego
But how did you...

Don Alejandro
A man in a mask came in and released us.  He was dressed in black with a long flowing cape...

Victoria
And a whip...

Don Alejandro [raising his fist]
And a sword.

Diego
A masked man?  Really?

Victoria
It's true.  How do you think we escaped?

Diego
What about the Alcalde?  The soldiers?

Don Alejandro
He overpowered them all singlehanded.

Diego
That is impressive.  Who is he?

Don Alejandro
He said his name was... [He looks over at Victoria for help.]

Victoria [glancing over at Don alejandro]
El Zorro

Don Alejandro
Zorro

Diego
El Zorro?  A fox?

[Diego crosses his arms over his chest.]

Victoria
Yes. [She tilts her head to one side and smiles dreamily.]  And like a fox, he disappeared into the night.

Diego
Well the Alcalde must be enraged.

Don Alejandro [waving his hand]
Bah!

Victoria
If only...   If only we could find this man in black.  This Zorro. Well, he could help us fight the Alcalde.

Diego
I wouldn't count on that, Señorita.  The man sounds like a brigand to me.

Victoria
I wish you could have seen him.  Then you'd know what a true hero looks like.

[Diego looks at her nonplused.]

Don Alejandro
Diego, there's going to be a meeting of the caballeros tomorrow.  Until we can do something about this tyranny, better stay out of the Alcalde's way.

Diego
Sounds like good advice.

[Don Alejandro leads Victoria away.  Diego watches them leave, then turns and walks back to the library, exhaling deeply.  He presses the mantle and the back panel opens to reveal Felipe.  He comes out of the fireplace.]

Diego
The Alcalde must be distracted.  I think if we can get a good horse, this Zorro will be the man for the job.

[He pats Felipe's shoulder, then they both turn and go back through the fireplace panel.]

[Diego and Felipe are riding around the country side.  They slow their mounts as Felipe points.  A black horse is running at the top of a ridge.]

Diego
He looks perfect.

[The horse runs down the side of the hill.]

Diego
Vamos!

[Diego and Felipe urge their horses to follow after the black stallion.]

Diego
Split up!  We'll run him down on the other side of the rise.

[Felipe catches up with Diego who has stopped at the top of the ridge.  Diego holds his hand out as Felipe approaches.]

Diego
Easy.

[They slowly make their way down the hillside.]

Diego
Easy.  Whoa.  Look at that, Felipe.  He has a foal.

[At the bottom of the rise, the black horse stands guard over a mare and foal.  The foal is lying on the ground.]

Diego [looking over his shoulder at Felipe]
Easy.  Slow.

[The stallion rears up, trying to scare them away.]

Diego
Something is very wrong here.  Look at that foal.  Stay here with the horses.  It's very dangerous.  Stay out of reach.

[Diego and Felipe dismount as the black horse rears up again.  Felipe gathers their horses reins.  Diego slowly walks towards the foal.]

Diego [looking over his shoulder at Felipe again]
Stay here.

[The stallion paws the ground as Diego approaches.]

Diego
Easy.  Stay back, Felipe.

[The black horse flinches.  Diego puts his hands out in front of him.]

Diego
I'm not going to hurt you.

[He continues to ease his way toward the foal as Felipe looks on worriedly]

Diego
That foal looks sick. [to the stallion] I'm going to help you.  I know you're protecting your family.  Easy.

[Diego crouches down as he closes in on the foal.]

Diego
Whoa, little fellow.  It's all right.  I'm not going to hurt you.

[He reaches out and touches the foal on its nose.]

Diego
Easy. [He glances up at Felipe.] He's sick.  We've got to get him on his feet or he'll die.

[The stallion rears up and whinnies again.]

Diego
His lungs will fail.

[Diego puts his arms around the foal's neck and gently pets its mane]

Diego
There.  Easy.  Shh.  Come on, come on

[He moves one hand on the foal's rump and urges it to stand up.]

Diego
Come on now.  That's it,  try.  Come on.  That's it.  That's it

[The foal gets to its feet.]

Diego
Good boy.  Good boy.  There.  Shh.

[Felipe smiles as he watches.  The stallion is still pawing the ground and rearing.  Diego holds up a hand to ward off the wild horse.

Diego
Easy, boy.  I'm not going to hurt him.  It's all right.

[Diego reaches his hand under the foal's belly and applies gentle pressure.]

Diego
Come on now.  Breathe.  Breathe

[The black horse paws the ground.]

Diego
That's a good boy.  I know it's all right now.  Your family is here.

[Diego approaches the stallion cautiously]

Diego
The foal is safe.  He's safe.  Let's be friends.  Whoa, easy.  He's big, Felipe.

[The black horse nervously paws the ground as Diego draws nearer.]

Diego
Shh

[Diego reaches out and pats the stallion on the neck.]

Diego
Good boy.  Good boy.  Good boy.

[Diego runs his hand down the stallion's side as Felipe smiles.]

[Diego and Felipe are with the black horse in the secret cave.  Diego is petting his nose and neck as Felipe uses a curry brush.]

Diego
Do you think he senses the task ahead?  Wants to be part of it?

[Felipe nods as he continues brushing.  Diego admires the horse.]

Diego
What do you think we should call him?

[Felipe looks at Diego then appraisingly at the stallion.  He uses the hand he is holding the brush in to make a spiraling motion.]

Diego [looking back at the horse]
He does run like the wind.

[Felipe shakes his head and repeats the spiraling motion as he blows air out of his mouth.]

Diego
And he appears out of nowhere like a sudden storm.

[Felipe once again makes the spiraling motion, this time more exaggerated, blowing air as well.  Diego has to think for a moment before speaking.]

Diego
Toronado

[Felipe nods, an excited expression on his face.]

Diego
Toronado.  We should call him Toronado.  Very good.

[He looks over at the horse again.]

Diego
Toronado.  What do you think of your new name, boy?

[Toronado bobs his head and snorts.  Diego laughs as he glances over at Felipe.]

Diego
I think he likes it.

[Inside the hacienda, Don Alejandro is being led away by two soldiers who are grasping his arms.  Ramón is sitting on a table.]

Don Alejandro
Do you have a warrant for this outrage?

Ramón [pointing a finger at Don Alejandro]
The only warrant you're going to see is the one calling for your execution in the morning.

Don Alejandro
Execution!  Resisting your tyranny is no crime.

[Diego is peering through the viewing hole.]

Ramón
No, but breaking from jail is a capital offense, Señor.  One for which you and the peasants who aided in that effect will be hung in the morning.  Take him away.

[The two soldiers march Don Alejandro out of the hacienda.  Ramón sits smugly for a moment before getting up and following them.  Inside the cave, Diego is furious.]

Diego [slapping his hand on the cave wall]
They're arresting my father!

[He spins around so fast that Felipe jumps back and put his arms in front of him for protection

Diego
Well, someone has to stop the Alcalde!

[Felipe nods and then uses his finger to trace the letter ‘Z' in the air.  Diego begins to nod his head as he calms down.]

Diego
Zorro

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

[Ramón opens the door to his office and enters.  He is followed by Don Alejandro who is being led in by two lancers who have hold of his arms.]

Don Alejandro
This is a mockery of justice!

Ramón [sitting on the edge of his desk]
I was appointed by the territorial governor and given the task of maintaining order in this pueblo.  Am I to blame that calls for the suppression of certain rebellious factions?

Don Alejandro
There's no rebellion in Los Angeles and you know it.

Ramón
You've been something of a pearl in my oyster ever since my arrival, de la Vega.  Perhaps the time has come for me to remove the source of that irritation.

Don Alejandro
You'll never get away with this.

Ramón
Oh yes, and who is going to stop me?  That masked bandit who helped you escape?

Don Alejandro
One never knows, does one?

Ramón [looking slightly amused]
There is a way to win commutation of your death sentence.  Just give me the name behind the mask who helped you escape.

Don Alejandro [looking at Ramón defiantly]
I have no idea.

[Don Alejandro then turns his face away.]

Ramón
Don Alejandro, be reasonable.  I only want the name of one man in exchange for your own life.  What better bargain is there?

Don Alejandro [turning to face Ramón again]
No bargain at all.

Ramón [smiling evilly]
You die at dawn

[Don Alejandro just glares at him.]

Ramón [pointing toward the jail]
Take him away!

[The lancers lead Don Alejandro to the jail as Ramón gets to his feet and walks to the front door.]

[Mendoza is leaning over the office's porch railing, his back to the front door.  Ramón pokes his head out the door.]

Ramón
Mendoza!

[Mendoza turns and takes off his hat as he walks toward the door.]

Mendoza
Si, mi Alcalde.

[Inside the office, Ramón puts a hand on Mendoza's back as they walk toward Ramón's desk.]

Ramón
Mendoza, I've been thinking of making some promotions from inside the garrison.

[They stop in front of the desk and face each other.]

Mendoza
You have?  What an excellent idea.

Ramón
But in order to assess each candidate, I have to know the men's feelings on certain things.

Mendoza
You want to know my feelings? [He straightens his jacket.] Alcalde, I am touched.

Ramón [looking repulsed]
Perhaps attitude is a better word.

Mendoza
It's a bigger word, that's for sure.

Ramón
Yes.  Um.  Mendoza, what do you think is the biggest challenge that faces our garrison?

Mendoza
Frijoles.

Ramón [stunned]
What?

Mendoza
Frijoles, Alcalde.  The company cook prepares them as though he was boiling shoe leather.

Ramón [beginning to lose his temper]
I'm not talking about beans, you fool, I'm talking about the suppression of rebellion.

Mendoza [clueless]
Well, beans cannot suppress a rebellion.

Ramón [slamming his fists together and walking away from Mendoza]
Do you know what I think the greatest challenge to our garrison is?  This bandit called Zorro.

Mendoza [with a tremor of fear in his voice]
The one with the mask, the cape, and the whip?

Ramón [nodding and grinning]
The man who brings me this Zorro, dead or alive; he is the man who wins promotion.

Mendoza
Well, you know, Alcalde, being a sergeant is not so bad after all.

[He salutes and leaves the office.  Ramón's eyes bulge out with anger.]

[In the secret cave, Diego is looking at a sketch of a primitive hang glider.]

Diego [setting the plans down on the table in front of him]
All right.  Let's just see if I have enough. [to Felipe] Hold this up.

[Diego and Felipe both lift up a length of black fabric, then spread it back out on the table.  Diego starts marking on it with a piece of chalk.]

Diego
You know, this cave is the perfect place for such work.  I think we'll be able to fit a small laboratory in here if we try.

[Felipe gestures questioningly at the black fabric and shakes his head, indicating he doesn't understand what it is for.]

Diego
While I was at the university, I studied the theories of Leonardo da Vinci, including his principles of winged flight.

[Felipe starts flapping his arms like a bird's as Diego marks the fabric,]

Diego [looking over at Felipe's flapping]
Not exactly like a bird.  But I think I'll be able to make an entrance spectacular enough to convince the Alcalde's men of my mysterious powers.

[He continues to mark the fabric with the chalk as Felipe watches.]

Diego [picking up the sketch]
Just hold this for a moment, would you?

[Felipe takes the sketch and holds it up at an angle for Diego to see.  Diego keeps marking the fabric, glancing at the sketch now and again.]

[Exterior shot of several lancers leading a group of men with bound hands across the plaza.  Being led by yet another lancer, Don Alejandro brings up the rear of the group.  Angry citizens can be heard jeering and shouting as they stand beside the gallows.  Victoria breaks out of the crowd and runs toward Don Alejandro, but is grabbed by the arm by a lancer, who had been pursuing her.]

Victoria [as she is being dragged backward by the lancer]
Don Alejandro, they can't do this to you!

Don Alejandro
Strength, Victoria.  Show them your strength.

[Ramón steps in between the space between Don Alejandro and Victoria and confronts Victoria.]

Ramón
Tell me the name of the man who wears the black mask and I will spare these men.

Victoria [defiantly]
Even if I did know his name, I wouldn't make one deal with the devil himself.

Ramón
Why do you insist on protecting a mere criminal?

Victoria
He may be a criminal in your eyes, but in mine, he's a hero.

Ramón
Then you, my dear, are terribly short-sighted.

[Ramón turns away from Victoria and walks toward the gallows, raising his arms.]

Ramón
Listen!

[He then walks up the first couple of steps of the gallows staircase.]

Ramón
Yesterday, in the black of night, the security of our pueblo was threatened by the incursion of a masked bandit who released a number of vicious prisoners.  This masked bandit who calls himself Zorro, will soon be seeking refuge from justice.  For my men are on his trail and are about to close in on him.

Victoria [trying to get free from her captor]
That's a lie!  Your men are terrified of him.  He is. . .smarter and more clever than your entire garrison.

Ramón [almost pleadingly]
He wears a mask.  He releases criminals.  He himself is a criminal.  Any citizen who brings evidence that leads to the capture of this Zorro will be rewarded. Any traitor who helps him escape will hang along side him on my gallows.

[Victoria breaks free from the lancer and runs closer to the gallows.  The lancer runs after her and grabs her again.]

Victoria [to the crowd]
Last night Zorro helped us.  He is on our side.  And now we must help him.

Ramón
I'm warning you, Señorita.

Victoria [turning around and staring defiantly at Ramón]
Even you are afraid of him, aren't you?

Ramón
I'll show you how afraid I am.

[He walks down the steps and over to where he is facing Don Alejandro.]

Ramón
Prepare the gallows.

Don Alejandro
You're a fool.  My death, the death of any of us, will only strengthen the will of the people.

[Outside the pueblo, Felipe is driving a wagon pulled by two horses at a high rate of speed.  Behind him, Zorro is clutching onto the bar of his hang glider.]

[At the plaza, Ramón is addressing the men about to hang.]

Ramón
Who would like to be the first to die, hmm?

[The wagon driven by Felipe continues to build up speed.]

[At the plaza, Ramón is still taunting the condemned men.]

Ramón
Any volunteers?

[The glider lifts off the back of the wagon.  Felipe thrusts his fist triumphantly in the air as Zorro and the glider go flying into the air.

Zorro
I hope da Vinci knew what he was doing.

[The glider soars through the air toward the pueblo.]

[Ramón continues to stall by mocking the prisoners.]

Ramón
Don Alejandro, would you like to be the first to die?

Don Alejandro
Your gallows don't frighten me.

[The prisoner standing next to Don Alejandro looks up into the sky and gasps.  Zorro is gliding past the bell tower of the church.  Others start to look up and gasp as well.]

Mendoza [looking up and making the sign of the cross]
Madre de Dios.

[Ramón finally looks up and seems shocked by what he sees.  Victoria uses her arm to shade her eyes then bounces up and down happily.]

Ramón [his shock wearing off]
Fire!  Shoot at him!

[The lancers surge forward and fire up at Zorro but miss (of course!).  Zorro lands the glider away from the main crowd and the lancers advance toward him.]

Ramón [still by the gallows]
Kill the man!

Mendoza
But Alcalde, that is the man from last night. [He points in Zorro's direction] That is Zorro!

Ramón
Who cares?  You're a soldier.  You are trained to kill the enemy.  Get him!

[More lancers run toward Zorro.  While Ramón is watching Zorro, Victoria goes over and begins to untie Don Alejandro's hands.  Ramón unsheathes his sword and runs toward Zorro.   Once Don Alejandro is untied, he and Victoria free the rest of the prisoners.]

[Zorro is cracking his whip at the lancers who back up out of its way.]

Zorro [rather dramatically]
I am Zorro.  Friend to all those who support the cause of freedom.  And the enemy to those who support tyranny.

[He looks straight at Ramón, who glares back.]

Ramón [to the lancers]
Take him!  He's ours!

[Zorro cracks the whip twice more and the lancer dance back and forth, trying to avoid it.]

Ramón [to his men]
Stay back.  He's just a man.  I'll prove it to you.  I'll make him bleed.

[Ramón charges at Zorro with his sword.  Zorro sidesteps the thrust and Ramón runs past him, nearly stumbling.  Zorro draws his saber and salutes.  He goes on the offensive and Ramón tries to fend him off but is driven backward.  Zorro pushes Ramón then kicks him toward the fountain.  Ramón stumbles but regains his footing and attacks again.  Zorro drives him back to the fountain again, then knocks Ramón's sword from his hand.  Zorro points his saber at Ramón's throat.]

Zorro
Arrest those men again without cause and I'll put your neck in the noose.

Ramón [through clenched teeth]
I will hunt you down.

Zorro
Fine.  But the tavern belongs to Señorita Escalante, comprende?

Ramón [nods his agreement before speaking angrily]
I will see you hang.  I will torture you.  I will shoot you.

Zorro [smiling at Ramón's impotent rage]
You surprise me Alcalde.  You've led everyone to believe you're a man of great control, of stature.  But you're really quite emotional, aren't you?

[Ramón spins around, searching for his dropped sword.  When he bends over to pick it up, Zorro slashes a ‘Z' in the tail of his jacket, then darts away.  Ramón jumps back up and glances around for Zorro as people laugh at him.  He marches angrily back to his office.  Don Alejandro and Victoria turn and notice Zorro riding out of town.]

Don Alejandro [waving his hand]
Señor Zorro!

[Zorro stops and turns Toronado around to face the people in the plaza.]

Don Alejandro
Remove the mask so we can see the man to whom we owe so much.

Zorro
Nothing would please me more than to reveal my true identity and to show my true feelings for you, Señortia.

Victoria
Oh, but the feeling is mutual.  You can be sure of that.

Zorro
Knowing my identity would only give the Alcalde more reason to threaten you.  As long as I wear this mask, your safety is guaranteed.

Victoria [disappointedly]
But how can I thank you?

Zorro
Someday when our people are free, I promise you I will give you ample opportunity to show me that appreciation.

[Zorro blows Victoria a kiss.  Everyone cheers as Zorro turns and rides to the pueblo gate where he spins Toronado around and waves once more before heading out of the pueblo.

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

[Exterior shot of Ramón's office as the sun is setting.]

[Inside the office, Mendoza is stitching up the ‘Z' Zorro slashed into Ramón's jacket.  Ramón walks in and sits down at his desk.]

Ramón
No man humiliates me like that and gets away with it.

Mendoza [continuing to sew]
His skill with a sword is incredible, huh?  Look at what a pretty ‘Z' he carved on your jacket, huh?

[Mendoza hold the jacket up so Ramón can see the ‘Z'.  Ramón glances at it then turns away.]

Ramón
If I am ever to gain control over this pueblo, I must get rid of this man. [He pounds his fist on the desk.] Zorro must die!

Mendoza
Si, mi Alcalde.  But from what I've seen, it's not going to be such an easy task.

[Ramón nods grimly as Mendoza keeps sewing.]

[Fade in:  At the bottom of the canyon, Zorro starts to regain consciousness.]

Zorro
My head. [He smiles a little.] At least I can see a little better.  Oh.

[He starts to stand up, using his saber as a crutch.  He gets to his feet.]

Zorro
The ringing in my ears has stopped.

[He makes his way slowly to another boulder and leans against it as Felipe follows behind him, ready to catch him if necessary.]

Zorro
Now if we can just find some way out of here.

[Both Zorro and Felipe head the sounds of horses at the top of the canyon.]

Zorro
The soldiers are coming back.

[Felipe sags defeatedly against the rock.  They both look around.  Felipe touches Zorro's arm, points to his right, then covers his head with his arms, obviously suggesting they hide.]

Zorro
No, they'll find us this time, Felipe. [Felipe touches Zorro's arm again.] Yes, we'll die.  But we're going to die fighting.

[Zorro looks around, breathing heavily.]

[Further up the canyon, Toronado is leading another horse down a trail through the bushes.]

[At the bottom of the canyon, Felipe is armed with a large branch while Zorro brandishes his saber, prepared to attack]

Zorro [to Felipe]
You should have gone when you had the chance.  Now you're trapped here with me.

[Felipe grabs Zorro's sword arm and lifts it up, then waves his branch.  Zorro grabs one of Felipe's arms.]

Zorro
No, Felipe.  Let me do the fighting.  That way the soldiers may take mercy on you.

[Felipe shakes the branch at Zorro again.]

Zorro [nodding]
I'd rather die than surrender. [Felipe nods in agreement.] We may have no choice in the matter.

[The hoof beats keep getting closer.]

Zorro [bumping Felipe's arm with his sword hand]
Brace yourself. [He glances around.] The sound bounces off the rocks. . .

[Toronado and the other horse draw nearer.]

[Zorro and Felipe are surprised as they recognize Toronado's whinny.]

Zorro
It's Toronado!  He found a way out of here.

[Zorro and Felipe walk over to where the two horses have stopped.]

Zorro [touching Toronado's nose]
Old friend.

[Felipe holds Toronado's head as Zorro struggles to climb onto the horse's back.  Felipe goes over to help Zorro into the saddle.]

Zorro
A tiny blow to the head and my entire body seems weak.  Now that Toronado has brought us hope, we must take that same faith to the people of Los Angeles.

[He turns Toronado around and starts to ride away.]

*****COMMERCIAL BREAK?*****

[Exterior shot of the pueblo gate with people walking, riding, and driving wagons through it.]

[Ramón walks the porch of his office and across the plaza where he meets Mendoza and the other lancers by the fountain.]

Mendoza [saluting]
Search party reporting, Sir.

Ramón
Where have you been?

Mendoza
Searching, Alcalde.

Ramón
Your horses return with empty saddles eight hours ago.

Mendoza [taking off his hat]
Oh. Well, that is because Zorro's horse frightened our horses away.

Ramón [incredulously]
His horses stranded an entire patrol?

Mendoza [mopping his face with a red handkerchief]
Well, apparently it is a very smart horse.

Ramón
But it was just the horse?  Zorro wasn't on it?

Mendoza
Oh, si, mi Alcalde.  I can assure you, Zorro is dead.  We saw his lifeless body at the bottom of the ravine.

Ramón
But your orders were to retrieve that body.

Mendoza
I'm afraid that is impossible, Sir.

Ramón
But don't you see, I need the body as proof that he is really dead. [He raises his voice.] Now I need that body, where is it?

Mendoza
I'm afraid the coyotes took it away.

[Private Gomez, who is standing next to Mendoza, stares at Mendoza with his mouth open in disbelief at the lie Mendoza just told.  Mendoza turns around to another lancer behind him.]

Mendoza
But. . . But here.  We do have these.

[He takes Zorro's hat and cape from the lancer then hands them to Ramón.]

Mendoza
The hat. . .the cape.

Ramón [inspecting the items]
Very good, Sergeant. [He points to a spot on the cape.] There's blood on it.

Mendoza
I'm afraid so.  Zorro would never leave anything like that behind.  He must be dead.

Ramón [putting his arm around Mendoza's shoulder and leading his toward the cuartel.]
You realized this entitles you to a reward.

Mendoza
A reward?

Ramón
All five hundred pesos.  Except for the tax.

Mendoza
There's a tax on rewards?

Ramón
Oh, no.  There's a tax on windfalls while serving in the military and since this reward is a windfall and since you are serving in the military, I'm afraid you are subject to this particular tariff.

Mendoza [anxiously]
How much is this tariff tax?

Ramón
One hundred percent, of course.

Mendoza [resignedly]
Of course.

[Felipe is running through rocky terrain and up to where a tree is growing out of the hillside.  He moves the tree aside, revealing the back entrance to the secret cave.  A wobbly Zorro rides Toronado through the opening.]

[Felipe leads Toronado in the cave then helps Zorro dismount.  Felipe puts his arm around Zorro's waist while placing Zorro's arm around his shoulders and helps him walk.]

Zorro
That ride took more out of me than I thought.

[Felipe nods and points toward the hacienda.]

Zorro
I'd better get to bed, yes.

[Felipe continues to help Zorro walk through the cave.]

[Exterior shot of the tavern as night is falling.]

[Inside the tavern, Victoria is serving drinks to a table then brings a glass to the table where Mendoza is sitting with other lancers.]

Victoria
That will be two pesos, Sergeant.

[Mendoza bites on a coin before placing it on Victoria's tray.  She picks it up and looks at it.]

Victoria [kind of sarcastically]
Ah, was it payday today at the garrison?

Mendoza
That is a mere token of the Alcalde's appreciation for my service above and beyond the call of duty.  Ah, the fact is he has a great deal of respect for me now.

Victoria [even more sarcastically]
Andy why now?

Mendoza
Well, you might be interested in knowing that I, leading my men over extremely dangerous terrain, I discovered the spot where Zorro tragically met his end.

Victoria
You mean to tell me that Zorro is dead?

[Behind them, Ramón walks into the tavern.]

Mendoza [a bit uncomfortably]
Well, his cape had blood stains on it.

[Giving Mendoza an angry look, Victoria turns and walks away, stopping at a nearby table and picking up empty glasses from it.  Ramón stops to talks to some men at another table.  Victoria starts to go past him, but spins around to confront him.]

Victoria
Is it really true what Mendoza says about Zorro?  That he is dead?

Ramón
Wonderful news, isn't it.

[He grins evilly.]

Victoria [shaking her head]
I don't believe it.  And no one else will either.

Ramón
Believe or not as you wish, Señorita.  Zorro's absence speaks for itself. [He bows to her.] Now then.

[He walks away, clearing his throat and clapping his hands loudly, leaving behind an obviously devastated Victoria.  He walks up onto the staircase and raises his arms.]

Ramón [speaking loudly]
May I have your attention please?

[The customers stop talking and even Mendoza turns to look at Ramón.]

Ramón [dramatically]
Zorro is dead.

[Loud gasps are heard from many of the customers.]

Victoria
There's no proof of that.  And even if there is, Don Alejandro de la Vega will soon return from Monterey with news from the territorial government.

Ramón
Don Alejandro de la Vega does not speak for this pueblo.

Victoria
But he does speak for the people.

Ramón
Without Zorro to support his revolutionary politics, Don Alejandro will have to become a model citizen.  Failing that, I shall have to make an example of him.  A very painful example.

[Ramón chuckles evilly as he steps down from the stairs and past Victoria who is seething with frustration.  Ramón stops at a table and pats one of its occupants on the shoulder as they talk.]

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega hacienda where night is still falling.]

Doctor Hernandez [off camera at first]
I don't think I'll do anything to it just now. [He examines the left side of Diego's head as Diego lies in bed, a concerned Felipe standing nearby.]

Doctor Hernandez
Let it dry and I'll do something later on. [He looks at Diego scoldingly.] That was quite a nasty fall you had.

Diego
I was trying to follow my father to Monterey when the mare threw me.

Doctor Hernandez
I hope Don Alejandro can speak directly to the governor.  The Alcalde is bearing down more on the people now that Zorro is gone.

Diego [confused]
Gone?  What do you mean, gone?

Doctor Hernandez
Haven't you heard?  Zorro is dead.

Diego [kind of to himself]
Oh no.

Doctor Hernandez [packing up his bag]
You're lucky that blow to your head didn't kill you, Diego.

Diego
How long will I have to stay like this?

Doctor Hernandez
A few more days.  Possibly more.  And whatever you do afterwards, stay away from horse.

[He picks up his bag and leaves the bedroom.  Felipe moves in closer to the bed and puts his hand on Diego's shoulder.  Diego reach for Felipe's other hand and tries to pull himself up out of bed.]

Diego
I just can't lie here and let the Alcalde run rampant.  He'll destroy the entire pueblo in no time.  Uh.

[He gets dizzy and collapses back onto the pillows, passing out.  Felipe rubs his shoulder worriedly.]

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega hacienda the next morning.]

[Inside, Diego sits up in bed as Felipe rises out of the chair he had been sitting in when Victoria brings in a tray with a goblet of orange juice on it.]

Victoria [placing the tray on Diego's lap]
Any news from your father yet?

Diego
Ah, he should be back in another five days.

Victoria
Some of us might not last that long.

Diego
Are things in town really that bad?

Victoria
Not only does the Alcalde have the young men working on his ‘highway project'; where he works them like slaves; he now has imposed a new series of taxes.

Diego
What more could he tax?

Victoria
Oh, caballeros now must pay a fee for tying their horses in the plaza.  Merchants are taxed on the good that they sell and every citizen must pay a levy upon their earnings.  And this he calls income tax.

Diego
What a bizarre concept.

Victoria [sitting down in the chair Felipe vacated]
If only Zorro were still alive.

Diego [looking over at her tenderly]
Don't be so sure he's dead.

Victoria [starting to tear up]
If he were still alive, he would have helped us by now. [She struggles to get control of her emotions] There's a memorial service for him tomorrow evening.

Diego
Who's idea was this?

Victoria
The Alcalde wants to end the myth of Zorro once and for all.

[Victoria starts crying then.]

Diego
He won't do that very easily.

[Victoria puts her hand on her face as she cries.  Felipe pulls a handkerchief from his waist sash and gives it to Victoria.  She takes it from him, then puts her hand on Felipe's face.  Felipe smiles shyly.  Victoria starts to laugh through her tears.]

Victoria
He's promised to display the body for all to see.

Diego
We can't let this destroy the will of the people

Victoria
Oh, but it may already have.

[She stands up, crying again.]

Victoria [her voice breaking]
Send Felipe if you need anything.

Diego [as she runs out of the bedroom]
Thank you.

[Felipe comes back over and sits in the chair again.]

Diego [handing Felipe the tray from his lap]
I don't care what the doctor said.

[He starts to get out of bed.]

Diego
I've got to stop this before it gets out of hand.

[He throws off his blankets and gets to his feet as Felipe helps him.]

[Exterior shot of Ramón's office at night fall.]

[Inside the office, Ramón is at his desk, writing with a quill.  Two lancers guard the door.  Mendoza motions to another soldier to bring a man forward.  The lancer shoves the man up to Ramón's desk.]

Ramón [looking up at the man]
Well?

[The man places four coins on the desk.  Ramón uses his quill to count them.]

Ramón
Is this some kind of joke?

Man
But, Alcalde, if I pay more taxes, I will have to sell my land to feed my family.

Ramón
If you cannot pay the government its due, perhaps you should pack up your things and leave the territory.

Man
But our land, it's all we have.

Ramón
I'll give you a hundred pesos for it.

Man
But it's worth ten times that.

Ramón [looking at a paper he hold in his hands]
Trust me, something is better than nothing, which is exactly what you will get if you test my patience.

[Ramón places the paper on the desk in front of the man.]

Ramón
Twenty-five, it is.  Sign the quit-claim deed.

[The man looks at the paper for a moment then makes an ‘X' on it with the quill.]

Ramón
That's right. [He takes the deed and the coins.] Now pack up and be off my land by sundown.

[The lancer leads the man out the door where other peasants wait in line.  Mendoza sidles up to Ramón.]

Mendoza
Alcalde?

Ramón [looking at another paper]
Umm.

Mendoza
Aren't you being a little rough on them?

Ramón [glaring up at Mendoza]
Rough?  I'll tell you rough is, Sergeant.  Rough is growing up in the shadow of two older brothers who were not only so well-educated and living in Mexico City, but they still have the respect of my father.

Mendoza [smiling]
I didn't know you are the baby in the family.

Ramón
Yes, that's right.  Hand-me-downs, broken toys, fighting for attention.  When I'm through here I will not only own most of the land but all the money that's in it.  That will not only get their attention but their respect as well.

Mendoza
But what about the people who own this land?

Ramón
This land was given to them so they could have to grow corn.  Now it's worth a great deal of money.

Mendoza
But it is their home.

Ramón [waving his hand dismissively]
Let them live somewhere else.  Oh, um. [He beckons to Mendoza, who leans in closer.] What about the preparations for the memorial service?

Mendoza
Oh, si, mi Alcalde.  The garrison barber has even made a perfect little mustache for the body.

Ramón
Excellent.  Tonight will be perfect for a joyous day of grieving.

[He smiles and chuckles evilly.  Mendoza moves away, staring at Ramón uneasily.]

[Inside the secret cave, Diego carries several empty bottles as Felipe makes a gesture then follows him.]

Diego [as he walks]
No, this will never overcome the garrison forces.  But then force isn't always the answer, you know.  Sometimes we have to try to be clever as well.

[He sets the bottles down on the table then is hit by a dizzy spell.  Diego shakes it off as Felipe hands him an arrow.  Felipe points at the thing tied to the end of it.]

Diego
A small explosive charge at the end of the arrow will give the impression of a full scale invasion.

[Felipe makes some gesture (which we can't see!) then smiles.]

Diego
Exactly.  As once we used time-delay fuses, so will these cut at different lengths.  With a little bit of luck, we'll give the Alcalde a memorial service for Zorro he won't soon forget.

[Diego puts the arrow into one of the bottles, then pulls it out, making an exploding noise and then chuckling.  Felipe grins.  Another dizzy spell hits Diego and he sets the bottle down.  Felipe is immediately concerned and places a hand on Diego's back.]

Diego [clutching the table to steady himself]
No, it's all right.  I'll be all right. [He brings his fist up to his mouth.] Thank you, I'll be all right.

[Felipe looks at him worriedly.]

[Zorro and Toronado ride through the cave exit as the tree hiding it swings open.  Zorro rides through the night through the countryside.  He enters the pueblo via its gateway.  Riding Toronado up alongside a building, Zorro climbs up its side and up onto its roof.  Toronado goes off in the opposite direction.  Zorro makes his way across the building.  Then he reaches the top of the church and disappears down inside it.]

[Inside the church, an open coffin is surrounded by candles.  Zorro walks up to it and looks in, then chuckles.  Then by the expression on his face, he obviously gets an idea.]

[Exterior shot of the church at night.]

[Inside the church, Ramón and Mendoza are looking down into the coffin as people can be heard weeping in the background.]

Mendoza
It must be a very good casket.  It took four of my strongest men to carry it from the vestibule.

Ramón [pointing at the body]
It's a very good likeness.  I especially like the mustache.

[The ‘body' of Zorro is shown lying in the coffin.]

Mendoza
Yes, it does look awfully real, doesn't it?

Ramón
Umm.

[He clears his throat then makes the sign of the cross.  He steps out to stand in front of the coffin.]

Ramón
Good citizens of Los Angeles, we gather here today to lay to his final rest, a man of great potential, a man of great courage.  This man was Zorro.

[He pauses dramatically as people gasp.]

Ramón
And he was like a brother to me, a brother I would have welcomed into my heart had he not chosen a life of crime.  Where I have dedicated myself to you, my people, Zorro saw fit to exploit and abuse your kindness, to live as a renegade and force us to live in terror.

[The faces of the people in the church look at Ramón skeptically.]

Ramón [off camera]
Oh, he could be charming.  He could be charismatic on that big black horse of his. [Then his tone changes from lyrical to anger.] But the simple fact of the matter is that he was a selfish thief who hid behind his mask, who wasted his potential, violated your trust and perpetrated the most hideous of crimes.

[The crowd murmurs amongst themselves.]

Ramón
If he were alive. . .

[The people gasp as Zorro sits up in the coffin and puts on his hat.]

Voice
Madre de Dios!

Ramón [unaware of what is going on]
I would ask him one question.  Why?

[Mendoza's eyes roll back into his head and he passes out, falling to the floor with a thud.  Victoria looks around, smiling.]

Ramón [still oblivious]
Why chose a life of crime rather than support your government?

Zorro
Because the government is a corrupt oppressor of the people.

Voices
It is him.  He's alive.

[Ramón turns around slowly and points his finger at Zorro.]

Ramón
You!  You're alive!

Zorro
So it would seem, Alcalde.

[Zorro starts to get out of the coffin.  Victoria gets to her feet and turns around.]

Victoria
Zorro lives!

[Zorro lands in front of Ramón.]

Ramón
Yes, but not for long.

[Ramón tries to draw his sword but Zorro grabs his wrist and shoves the weapon back into its scabbard.]

Zorro
This is your last warning, Alcalde.  Call off your taxation and your forced labor or my men will begin their assault.

Ramón [through clenched teeth]
You have no men.

[Mendoza peer up over the coffin at Zorro, blinking his eyes and shaking his head.]

Zorro [slowly backing down the church aisle]
While I've been dead, the spirits of those you have persecuted have joined my army.  An army that stands out the pueblo, eager for revenge.

Ramón
You're bluffing.

Zorro [smiling mysteriously]
Then follow me.

[With a flourish of his hand, he turns and heads out of the church.  Ramón looks over his shoulder at Mendoza.]

Ramón [waving his arm]
Mendoza!  Come on!

[Ramón tries to go after Zorro but the people in the church get in his way.  He has to push and shove his way through them as Mendoza follows behind him.]

[Outside the church, Toronado comes galloping through the plaza.  Zorro hops onto the horse's back.  They jump over a wagon tongue as the soldiers and Ramón come out of the church.]

Ramón
After him!  Come on!

[Zorro rides the corner of the church where Felipe waits, holding a lit torch.  Zorro grabs the torch as he passes by Felipe.  Leaning down to his left, Zorro uses the torch to light the fuses of his bottle rockets.]

[In front of the cuartel, Ramón is yelling at his men who are trying to mount their horses.]

Ramón
Drive him into the ground!  Hunt him down!  I don't care what it takes!

Mendoza [pointing toward the pueblo gate]
It won't take much, Sir.

[Ramón looks as Zorro rides back into the pueblo.  He brings Toronado to a halt near the fountain.]

Zorro
I've come to hear you renounce all enforced labor and to return all new taxes to the people.

Ramón [sneeringly to his men]
Shoot him.

Zorro [sitting atop a jittery Toronado]
Be warned, Alcalde.  If any harm comes to myself or any citizen, my men are prepared to attack.

Ramón
What men?  What nonsense.

Zorro
They stand just outside the plaza, cannons primed, waiting for my signal.

Ramón [pointing at Zorro]
You're a fraud.  And I'm going to prove it.

[He turns to Mendoza.]

Ramón
Take some men and patrol the countryside.

Mendoza
But Alcalde, we might be outnumbered.

Ramón
I don't care! [He points forcefully toward the pueblo gate.] Now ride!

[The lancers led by Mendoza ride off.  As soon as they pass through the gate, explosions go off, throwing the soldiers into chaos.]

[People in the plaza scream and run for cover.  Zorro turns Toronado so they are facing Ramón again.]

Zorro
It appears your soldiers have discovered my men.

Ramón [incredulously]
Impossible.

[Behind the church, another arrow shoots off into the air, followed by three more.]

[Mendoza comes staggering back into the plaza, coughing and choking from the smoke.]

Mendoza
An army!  There's an army out there!

Ramón
How many men?

Mendoza
I don't know but I think they have artillery.

[An explosion goes off by the fountain, causing Ramón to duck and shield his face with his arms.  Another explosion goes off above the church, another goes off near the fountain again, followed by two more by the church.  Another explosions goes off on the other side of the plaza, near the tavern.  Zorro struggles to control the skittish Toronado.  Yet another explosion goes off in front of Ramón, again causing him to duck and cover.]

Zorro [after things settle down]
So if you'd release the laborers and return all new tax incomes and I'll call my men off.

[Mendoza comes over to stand by Ramón who is staring angrily at Zorro.]

Ramón
You don't have any men.  This is merely one of you nefarious tricks.

Zorro
But if it isn't?  Can you afford to lose everything?  You've been wrong before, you know.

Mendoza [to Ramón]
Nobody's perfect.  Maybe this is just another little mistake. [He holds his thumb and index finger barely apart.] Muy pecallito.

[Ramón stares at Zorro, then over at Mendoza, then back to Zorro.]

Ramón [through clenched teeth]
All right.

Zorro
I beg your pardon?  Could you speak up so we can all hear?

Ramón [much louder]
I hereby renounce all enforced labor and all taxes!

[The crowd begins to cheer and clap.  Zorro turns Toronado around and goes over to where Victoria is standing by the church.]

Victoria [looking up at him]
I thought you were dead.

Zorro [looking down at her]
If I were to let that happen, you and I would never get a chance to. . .

Ramón [off camera]
Zorro!

Zorro
I'm so sorry, Señorita.

[Zorro turns Toronado around again to face Ramón.]

Ramón
I swear by all that is holy, I will hunt you down.

Zorro
Then let the hunt begin.

[He waves his hand at Ramón mockingly then rides away.  Ramón and Mendoza turn to walk back to Ramón office when there is one more explosion.  Mendoza grabs Ramón pushes him downward.]

Mendoza
Look out, mi Alcalde!

[They both turn to see ten flaming arrows as they shot into the cuartel door, making the letter ‘Z'.  Mendoza and Ramón stare at it in disbelief.  Zorro rides to the pueblo gate where he stops.  Toronado rears up and whinnies, then they ride off into the night.]

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

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega hacienda, the next morning?]

[Diego is once again lying in his bed.  Felipe is standing by his side.  Victoria carries in a tray holding a goblet of water and a napkin-covered plate.  She has a big smile on her face as she is followed by Don Alejandro.]

Diego
Father!  How was the trip?

Don Alejandro
Thanks to Zorro, highly successful.

Diego
What did they say in Monterey?

Don Alejandro
Territorial commission is on its way right now to investigate the Alcalde. [He motions to Diego.] What's this?  You're not feeling well?

Diego [shaking his head]
It's a long story.  I. . .uh. . .

Victoria
Your old mare didn't like having him on her back.

Don Alejandro [chuckling]
The old mare threw you? [He chuckles again.] Really, Diego, I think you should take riding lessons.

Diego
As a matter of fact, that's just what the doctor ordered.

[He looks over at Felipe, who looks amused and confused.  Then Diego winks at him.]

*****END OF MOVIE*****

Transcribed by Pamela Elbert Poland  completed on 8 July 2006

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.

BACK TO SEASON ONE TRANSCRIPTS