Estimado amable Seņor Zorro,
I have asked Don Diego to deliver this note to you, since I have no way of finding you myself, so I have to trust that what I say here will be for your eyes only. I believe Diego to be an honorable man, yet I find it difficult to express my feelings to you.
When you read this, I will have embarked on a ship for Spain with my father. I have always wanted to go. I am not afraid even though Diego warned us both that it is a perilous trip because of the danger of pirates and the blockade. But I am my father's daughter; I refuse to be deterred by fear.
For all my life -- until I met you -- it has always been my greatest desire to see nuestra patria, our ancestral home. I am certain, Seņor Zorro, that I will not be able to find either > here or in Spain another man such as you. Why you are called an outlaw I will never understand. To me you are a great fighter for justice. You saved my life and my father's without asking for or expecting any reward. Indeed, for this there could have been no adequate measure of my gratitude. Yet I felt so overcome that I simply had to ask you if there was some way in which we could repay you. Did you ask for what you treasured most?
I shall return to California and my home. Then I shall find you and ask you to return the favor. Be safe until then. You are in my prayers always, querido mio, mi galan, mi Zorro.
Recuerdos de Usted para siempre.
Mas de amiga dedicada,
Anna Maria Elena Victoria Verdugo y Santiago
(discovered by Jill Panvini)
