Johnston McCulley

“ Fray Felipe cried. "Take ten years off my shoulders and I can drag you in the dirt!"
"That is a question for dispute. However, let us get to the subject of this visit. You have not seen a masked fiend who goes by the name of Señor Zorro?"
"I have not, soldier."
"I shall have my men search your house."
"You accuse me of falsehood?" Fray Felipe cried.
"My men must do something to pass the time, and they may as well search the house. You have nothing you wish to hide?"
"Recognizing the identity of my guests, it might be well to hide the wine jugs," Fray Felipe said. ”

“ But it appears that I cannot. Is there no place in this country where a man may meditate and consult musicians and the poets?"
"Meal mush and goat's milk!" Gonzales cried. "Don Diego, you are my good friend and a true caballero. Tell me—have you seen this Señor Zorro tonight?"
"I have not, my sergeant."
"You did not hear him ride past the hacienda?"
"I did not. But a man could ride past and not be heard here in the house. Fray Felipe and I have been talking together, and were just about to retire when you came."
"Then the rogue has ridden on and taken the trail toward the pueblo!" ”

“ We can find the fresh trail, and so take up the chase. There shall be no rest for us until the rogue is either slain or taken prisoner."
"And you have the reward," Don Diego added.
"You speak true words, caballero. The reward will come in handy. But I seek revenge, also. The rogue disarmed me once."
"Ah! That was the time he held a pistol in your face and forced you to fight not too well?"
"That was the time, my good friend. Oh, I have a score to settle with him."
"These turbulent times." Don Diego sighed. "I would they were at an end. A man has no chance for meditation. ”