by Toni Abernethy
PART ONE
March 1, 1819
The last remnants of Winter are disappearing as snow and ice begins to melt in the city of Boston, Mass. On this particular day, there is still a brisk chill in the air. A young woman, Toni Austin, sits by the fireplace in her room at a “School For Women.” She is reading a message just received from a family friend in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Toni is a vivacious, free spirited female who is 23 years of age, has brown hair cut short, and hazel eyes. She has a spark of tomboy in her and loves to ride horses in men’s clothing rather than women’s. Some of her school chums would call her a rogue because of this attribute. Toni’s roommate, Sally Hensin, is also enjoying the warmth of the fireplace. Sally is 24 years of age, has blue eyes the color of the sky, and blond hair to her shoulders which she wears mostly on top of her head. Sally is also the same height and size as Toni and they have on occasion exchanged clothes with each other. She has no tomboy in her, but can be just as wild as Toni given the opportunity. Sally is also a fun loving person who enjoys more of the finer things in life. Most times Sally and Toni are inseparable and they treat each other as sisters. Tonight Sally is watching Toni as she reads her message and is concerned by the sad expression on Toni’s face.
Sally asks, “Bad news, Toni?”
Toni looks at Sally with tears running down her cheeks and replies, “Yes, my parents have died in an Influenza epidemic in Philadelphia. I must return home immediately.”
“I’m so sorry!” replies Sally. “Would you like me to accompany you?” In between sobs, Toni thanks Sally and gladly accepts her offer of companionship. Two days later, after saying their good byes at the school, the women board the stagecoach for Philadelphia. Upon arrival in Philadelphia, Toni and Sally are met by the family friend who sent the message. They are escorted to the Austin’s farm in the countryside outside of Philadelphia.
Several days later, with the funeral over, the women have time to relax before Sally returns to school. Sally, is concerned about the farm, and asks Toni what her plans are regarding it. Toni remarks, “I have decided to sell it since it is more than I alone can handle. I’m not in a hurry, though.”
The next day Sally departs Philadelphia to return to school in Boston. Although Toni remains at the farm to proceed with the preparations for the sale, she still has a multitude of tears yet to shed. Her feelings of loneliness, since her parents death, cause her a bit of depression. She keeps to the farm, doesn’t visit old friends, and doesn’t attend Sunday Mass.
The first of April dawns as a beautiful sunny warm Spring day. The birds are chirping and there is a gentle breeze. Upon awakening on this lovely Spring morning, Toni finally frees herself from her gloomy disposition. She decides to chase the dismal blues away by taking an early morning horseback ride around the countryside on her horse Sailor, the only horse on the farm. Toni is an accomplished rider, from her training at the Boston school, and her early morning horseback rides become a ritual which she enjoys whether it is rain or shine.
A week later, a young man, Jeff Bradley, arrives at the farm. He is a handsome fellow with sandy hair, blue-gray eyes, 30 years of age, five feet eleven inches tall and can, at times, have a very dangerous temper, and at other times, be as gentle as a lamb. He is looking for the owner of the farm. He would like to make an offer to purchase the property. However, Toni is in the barn unsaddling her horse after returning from her morning ride and doesn’t hear the stranger arrive.
Jeff looks around the area and at first glance doesn’t see anyone. Then he wonders if someone is in the barn when he hears a horse whinny. He approaches the barn on foot and calls out “Hello, is anyone there.” Toni finally hears him and comes to greet hi
“Hello! May I help you?” Toni asks.
“Yes,” replied Jeff. “I’m looking for the owner. I heard the farm was for sale and I would like to make an offer.”
“I am the owner!” exclaims Toni.
And so, Jeff buys the farm on the condition that Toni remains to help run the domestic side. Jeff also tells Toni that he wants to turn the farm into a horse breeding ranch and sell horses to the Army and to some day breed race horses.
Six months have now passed and Winter is quickly approaching. It is now October first. Jeff has made many renovations to the farm. It is now ready to house his future horses. During the past six months, Jeff and Toni have also become engaged to be married. Several days ago, Jeff learned, from a friend, that there are many horses, wild ones, and tame ones, to be found in the Sacramento area of California. He tells Toni about this possibility. She is excited about going to California, but Jeff insists that she remain at the farm. Toni is adamant that she accompanies him.
“Jeff, I am not going to stay at the farm alone. You know I can ride just as well as you, so I see no reason to stay here and wait for your return.”
“Toni, please don’t be stubborn. Crossing the country is not going to be an easy task. I really don’t think it would be wise for you to come.”
“Jeff, you can’t stop me from going. If I don’t go with you, then I’ll find some other way to cross the county. Whatever way, I’m going to go.”
Jeff is becoming angry and his temper is about to flare, but he keeps it under control. “All right, Toni,” he said angrily, “if you really must come along, you must promise me you will not go wondering around on early morning rides.”
Since Toni so desperately wants to make this trip, she agrees, “Okay Jeff, for now I will make that promise. But when we get to California I will go back on that promise.” Jeff glares at her but remains silent. He thinks at least I’ve won for the cross-country trip.
Several days later, they start making plans for their to trip to California. Jeff knows he’ll need the proper papers in order to visit California since it is still under Spanish possession and takes the proper channels to obtain them.
With the pending trip to California dancing in her head, Toni writes to Sally, who is back in Boston, to tell her about the exciting adventure she and Jeff are preparing to take come Spring. She also writes:
Sally-
I am so excited about going to California. You have to come for the Christmas Holidays so I can boast to you about it. I also want you to meet Jeff. We can have a small, so to say family reunion since I have always considered you my one and only Sister. I hope this letter finds you well and that you will accept my invitation for Christmas.
With all my love,
Toni
Several weeks later Toni receives her answer from Sally saying she would be delighted to spend Christmas with her and that she would arrive on December 23.
On the day Sally is expected to arrive, Toni can barely control her excitement. Jeff remarks gruffly, “Gee Toni, you are acting like a small child. Sit down somewhere and relax. She’ll be here when she gets here.”
“I can’t help it, Jeff. I haven’t seen her since my parent’s funeral. And with the snowstorm, the coach from town could have an accident.”
“Oh, such a worrisome one you are.” complains Jeff. Jeff gets up from his chair and stomps out to the kitchen for some piece and quite.
A short time later the coach from town arrives. Toni and Sally stand there looking at each other for several seconds then embrace each other with hugs and kisses. “Come, it’s cold out here. Let’s go inside,” said Toni.
“Toni, you haven’t changed! You look great. I guess being engaged has a lot to do with it,” said Sally.
Toni then says with a slight hesitation in her voice, “I guess you could say that. At least I haven’t been lonely. I sure have missed you and I am so glad you decided to come.”
“I didn’t have any other plans. Besides you sounded so excited about California, I just couldn’t stay away.”
“Let’s get you settled and then we can have a long talk.”
Christmas of 1819 comes and goes. The snow is deep and the weather is frigid. Sally has enjoyed her visit to the fullest, but she is apprehensive about Jeff. There is something dangerous about him and Sally doesn’t trust him very much. She expresses her feelings to Toni one day after Christmas and said to her, “Toni, please, don’t get mad at me, but, I want you to be sure you are doing the right thing by marrying Jeff. There is an evil aura about him that I feel would put you in danger.”
“Sally, I think you are exaggerating a bit. And no, I am not mad at you and I’ll keep an open mind about your concern.”
“Good!” said Sally. The holidays are now over and Sally bids Jeff and Toni good bye as she enters the coach to return to Boston. But instead she decides to stay in Philadelphia. Her concerns about Toni’s safety with Jeff are foremost in her mind. She makes arrangements on her own to go to California and hopes to be there before them.
It is now January 31, 1820. Throughout the winter months, Jeff and Toni have completely prepared for their trip West. They decided traveling by horseback instead of coach will give them an opportunity to see the countryside. Since they are also using packhorses for camping and other supplies, there wouldn’t be any room for an excessive amount of clothing, just the needed essentials. They set their departure day for April 1.
Friday, July 14, 1820
It has taken two weary travelers the better part of three months to make their cross-country journey to California, and upon arrival in Los Angeles they decide to spend some time in the pueblo before heading to Sacramento.
Diego, Bernardo, and Padre Felipe, from the San Gabriel Mission, are standing in front of the church in the pueblo when Jeff and Toni ride into town. Since Jeff and Toni are unfamiliar with the pueblo they stop at the church to ask directions. Diego, Bernardo, and Padre Felipe had been watching the strangers approach. Since Toni is wearing men’s clothing and with her short hair concealed under her hat, she is not recognized as a female.
“Buenas tardes Señores,” greets Diego. “May we help you?”
“Yes,” replied Jeff. “We are in need of a place to stay for a few days and also a stable for the horses.”
“Ah,” said Diego, “You are Americanos.” Jeff and Toni answer together, “Yes, we are.” Diego then points out the Inn across the plaza and the livery stable down the street. While Diego was giving these directions to Jeff, Toni feels a magnetism about Diego she has never felt from anyone and was staring into his hazel eyes. All of a sudden she has become very attracted to Diego. She comments to herself, I have to meet this magnetic person and get to know him—and that is about to happen sooner than she expects. The sound of Jeff’s voice thanking Diego brings her back to reality.
“Thank you so much for your help,” replies Jeff. “We have had a long journey and a much needed rest is in order.” Jeff then speaks to Toni. “Toni will you go to the Inn and reserve rooms for us. I will see to these horses and get yours later.”
Toni leers at Jeff with fear in her eyes. She has become very fearful of Jeff since they left Philadelphia. While on the trail crossing the country his personality changed. He became very violent once and struck Toni in a fit of rage. Since then Toni has become afraid of him and tried not to aggravate him in any way. She had a long journey ahead and wanted to arrive at their destination in one piece. Toni comments to herself after the attack on the prairie, I must do as he wishes. I fear he may do me bodily harm if I refuse.
She replies to Jeff, “I’ll reserve the rooms, and I would also like a nice hot bath. I’m so dusty I can almost taste it.” Jeff gives out a small chuckle and heads to the livery stable.
Diego, Bernardo, and Padre Felipe are still watching the two strangers as they separate. Diego also felt a strange feeling when he looked at Toni. Not realizing that Toni is a female, he is quite puzzled by his feelings.
“Padre Felipe,” he said, “there is something different about the younger Americano. I can’t put my finger on it, but I sure can feel it. I also caught a look of fear on the young one’s face.”
“Diego, my Son, I think you have been in the sun too long today. Come into the church for some refreshments.”
“I would like that,” said Diego.
Just at that precise moment a dog starts barking; Diego turns to see why the dog is barking. Toni is heading to a hitching rail under a group of trees. Just as she is about to dismount, the barking dog dashes under her horse’s front legs frightening the horse. The horse rears so quickly that Toni is caught off guard and being fatigued from the day’s long ride, has trouble controlling him.
“Whoa Boy! Easy Sailor! Calm Down,” Toni urges, but to no avail, as she pats the horse’s neck. The dog is still barking and the horse rears again. Diego reaches the horse, grabs its bridle, and is quick enough to prevent the young Americano from falling off the horse.
Diego beckons, “Are you all right, Señor.
“It is Señorita, please,” answered Toni. “Yes, I am fine.”
“Oh, I’m sorry Señorita. I didn’t realize... Are you sure you are all right?” asks Diego.
“Yes, I am sure,” Toni answers again. “Are you going to help me down or not?”
“Please forgive my manners,” Diego said.
He reaches up to clasp her waist and proceeds to assist her to the ground. When Toni is safely off the horse, she turns to face Diego and at that moment two pair of hazel eyes meet and the magnetism she felt a moment ago takes her breath away and makes her heart beat so fast she almost faints.
Diego grabs her shoulders to steady her and say, “Are you sure you are all right?”
She nods her head and replies, “Yes, just a little dizzy from the sun.”
Diego then says with a little bow, “Let me introduce myself. I am Diego de la Vega at your service Señorita. And this is Bernardo my manservant. He can neither hear nor speak, but he is great at communicating nonetheless.
Toni answers back, “I am Toni Austin and my companion is Jeff Bradley. We are from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I am very grateful for your help and very pleased to meet you.”
Diego insists that Bernardo take care of Toni’s horse while he escorts her to the Inn. Just then, Sergeant Garcia, having heard the commotion, advances towards Diego and Toni. “Buenas tardes, Don Diego,” announced Sergeant Garcia. “What is all the commotion about?”
Diego answers “Buenas tardes, Sergeant Garcia. A barking dog frightened the Señorita’s horse. She is fine.”
Sergeant Garcia looks at Toni. “Señorita, you are new in Los Angeles. Are you an Americano?” asks Sergeant Garcia.
“Yes,” answered Toni. “I am here with a companion.”
“Señorita, it is the law that all visitors must have the proper papers,” Sergeant Garcia commented.
Diego intervenes. “The Señorita’s companion has gone to the livery stable to board their extra horses. I can see that the Señorita is fatigued from her journey. Why don’t we go to the Inn and wait there for her companion to arrive. I’m sure he has the necessary papers.”
Toni said, “Yes, he does.”
At that moment, Padre Felipe, who had been watching from the church, approaches the group. “I can vouch for Diego’s comments, Sergeant Garcia. It is much too hot to stand here discussing this matter. We should go to the Inn. I’m sure the Señorita would appreciate the cooler environment.”
“Yes, I would be very happy to get out of the sun!” remarked Toni.
At the Inn, Diego arranges for rooms for Jeff and Toni and then invites them to join him for supper.
“Thank you so much Señor de la Vega, we would be most honored to join you,” replied Toni.
Diego said, “Please, call me Diego.” And Toni replies, “And call me Toni.”
As the gentleman he is, Diego escorts Toni to her room. “Thank you,” smiles Toni when they arrive at her door, “I’ll see you at supper.”
“You are welcome,” said Diego with a bow. He takes Toni’s hand and lightly kisses her fingers as he looks into her eyes and then returns downstairs. Toni rushes into her room before her knees collapse. Her heart is again racing so fast she can hardly breath.
Jeff arrives at the Inn shortly thereafter. He notices Diego standing at the bar with Sergeant Garcia. Jeff approaches them to inquire the whereabouts of his fiancée. Diego is startled by his words. He tells Jeff she has gone to her room, and that he would be happy to show Jeff to his.
Sergeant Garcia then enters the conversation. “Señor, the Señorita has indicated that you have the necessary papers for your visit.” Jeff then pulls the papers from inside his jacket and hands them to Sergeant Garcia. The Sergeant examines them and is satisfied they are in order. He then welcomes the Americanos to Los Angeles.
Diego then shows Jeff to his room and returns to the bar. Toni hears Jeff enter his room and quietly goes to see him to inform him of Diego’s supper invitation. She tells Jeff she has accepted the invitation for both of them. Jeff is a bit annoyed that she accepted without consulting him first. However, since they are new in town he didn’t make a fuss about it.
During supper, Sergeant Garcia and Capitan Monastario arrive at the Inn. Sergeant Garcia is ordered to remain outside the Inn to be sure their plans are not interrupted. The Capitan has devised a plan to destroy Zorro in the people’s eyes by offering a prisoner, Martinez, who bears a strong resemblance to Zorro, his freedom if he pretends to be Zorro and rob the patrons at the Inn. As Capitan Monastario entered the Inn he sees Diego and his guests and advances toward them. Having been informed by Sergeant Garcia, Capitan Monastario knows the strangers are Americanos. When he reaches Diego and his guests, he makes it a point to introduce himself and welcomes the Americanos to Los Angeles. Capitan Monastario then takes a table at the opposite end of the Inn.
Monastario says to himself, “I wonder why these Americanos really are in Los Angeles. I must have them watched.”
Shortly after Monastario’s arrival, the masked bandit appears. Diego, Toni, and Jeff are seated at a table near the front door of the Inn enjoying their supper when the impostor appears. Diego is troubled by the appearance of the impostor but remains silent.
The fake Zorro makes all the patrons stand in a line and demands everyone to give him their money and valuables. Diego, Toni, and Jeff are standing near the front of the line and after Diego hands over his money and his ring, he quietly moves behind the line and slips out of the Inn. While the fake Zorro is gathering his loot, the real Zorro appears and engages the impostor in a sword fight. Sergeant Garcia hears the commotion and enters the Inn to find the real Zorro fighting the fake Zorro. Zorro’s ability is superior to the impostor’s and Zorro easily wins the fight. Then Capitan Monastario takes up his sword and fights against Zorro. Again, Zorro’s ability is greater than Monastario’s and Zorro is able to defeat him.
Zorro then exposes the fake Zorro as the prisoner Martinez. Then as Zorro scurries up the stairs to leave the Inn, he touches his blade to the brim of his hat and calls out “Adios” and disappears. Monastario orders Sergeant Garcia to place Martinez back under arrest. The Innkeeper then retrieves the money and valuables and returns the items to their owners. Diego has managed to slip back into the Inn unobserved and hides behind an overturned table.
The Innkeeper has Diego’s ring in his hand and calls out “Where is Diego de la Vega?” Diego then appears from behind the table with two bottles of wine in his hands. Diego exclaims with a smile,
“Here I am. I couldn’t let that bandit have everything!”
While all this action had been taking place, Toni was intently watching the sword fight. She caught a glimpse of Zorro’s eyes several times. Again, she felt that magnetism especially when Zorro dashed up the steps. She was now quite puzzled with this strange feeling, and thinks to herself, “there couldn’t be two people with that same magnetism.”
Then the evening’s activities quickly come to a halt when Diego says to Toni and Jeff, “I haven’t been myself tonight. If you will accept my apologies, I think I will return home.”
Back at the cuartel, Monastario’s curiosity about the Americanos was foremost on his mind. He summons Sergeant Garcia and orders him to have several lancers keep an eye on them. “Sergeant I want those two Americanos watched and followed around the clock. I want to know everything they do. Do you understand?”
“Si, Commandante.”
“Get on with it, then,” bellowed Monastario.
Monday, July 17
Three days have gone by since Jeff and Toni arrived in Los Angeles. They have become quite familiar with the pueblo and Toni decided to resume her early morning horseback rides much to Jeff’s dislike. Jeff angrily proclaims, “This country is much to wild for any young lady to be riding alone. You promised you wouldn’t do it.” Toni, being the free spirited person she is, disagrees with Jeff. “I love the wildness of this country. It is so exhilarating. Jeff I’m not afraid to ride alone. What could possibly happen?” Besides, I only promised you I wouldn’t ride alone while we were crossing the country, remember.” Toni thinks, “I hope he doesn’t get angry and strike me again.”
Jeff again angrily says, “Okay, suit yourself, but don’t complain to me if something happens!”
Tuesday, July 18
It is five-thirty in the morning. Toni saddles “Sailor” and heads out of town. Since Sailor needed some exercise, she takes him on a long run across the meadow. After a mile or so she brings Sailor to a slow walk and heads back to the main road.
Along one side of the road there is a group of rocks where a rattlesnake is curled. It is still not quite light enough to see the snake and as Toni and Sailor approach the snake starts rattling its tail and frightens Sailor. Sailor rears and Toni once again needs to calm him down. But, the snake strikes and bites Sailor twice on his leg. Sailor, again frightened, rears, and takes off at lightening speed. When Sailor reared the second time, Toni lost one of the reins and was unable to stop him from running wild. Toni leans forward and down under the right side of Sailor’s neck to try to catch the loose rein but is unsuccessful. Sailor is still out of control. Up ahead is a downed tree laying across the road. Toni sees it coming and knows she cannot stop Sailor in time. Sailor sails over the tree with ease but when he lands on his feet he stumbles.
Toni is thrown to the road and the momentum of the fall causes her to roll across the rocky ground toward the bank at the edge of the road. She finally comes to a stop after hitting her head on a rock. She lies there for a few seconds trying to catch her breath and then tries to get up but is in extreme pain. When she hit the ground she landed on her right shoulder and it dislocated. The roll over the rocky road caused multiple scrapes and scratches. The impact with the rock caused a large wound on her forehead. She is fighting unconsciousness.
Not far away, on a hill above the road, Zorro was returning to his secret cave when he heard the frightened horse. He looked toward the road and saw the incident take place. However, he is not close enough to recognize the troubled rider as Toni. He exclaims to Tornado, “Looks like someone needs our help, Tornado! Let’s go.”
Zorro takes up the chase, but doesn’t get to the rider in time to stop the fall. As he approaches the downed tree he sees the horse laying on the ground. He does not see the rider at first. However, when he looks over the roadside bank, he then spots the rider laying half way down the bank. He dismounts and hurries to the fallen rider. As Zorro gets closer to the injured person he recognizes Toni. He almost calls out her name, but catches himself, since he cannot reveal his identity.
Zorro realizes that Toni is not unconscious and rushes to her aid. Not knowing the seriousness of her injuries he clasps her shoulders to help her up saying, “Señorita, let me help you.”
As he touches her, Toni cries out in pain and opens her eyes to see Zorro crouching beside her and softly calls out, “Zorro?” and passes into unconsciousness. Zorro carries her up the bank and gently lies her on the ground. He needs to check on the fallen horse, too. He quietly approaches the horse and realizes it had been bitten by the snake and is dying. With no other choice available, Zorro must shoot the horse to end its life. Returning to Toni, he sees that she has awakened. The gunshot had brought her back to reality, but only for a short time. She tries to get up just as Zorro reaches her, but again experiences great pain and lapses back to unconsciousness.
Zorro takes her to his cave where he hopes to attend to her injuries. However, after arriving at the cave he decides that medical attention is more prudent. Bernardo is present when they arrive and Diego says to him, “Get my bed ready for the Señorita. I don’t want to alert any of the servants except for Crensencia . I will also give you a note for the doctor. You must get him here as quickly as possible. Before you leave have Crensencia come to my room.” Bernardo nods his head in agreement and leaves the cave.
The coolness of the cave has brought Toni back to consciousness. She moans as she tries to move and Zorro realizes she is awake. As she tries to sit up, Zorro said, “No, No, No, don’t get up.”
She looks into his eyes and even in her weakened condition feels that magnetism again. She agrees and lies back. “Zorro, Where am I?” asks Toni.
“You are in my secret cave,” answers Zorro. “You need medical attention, but I do not have the means here to help. I have sent word to Diego de la Vega. He will help.” Then Toni feels very dizzy and looses consciousness again. This gives Diego the opportunity he needed to get her to his room. Just as he is laying her on the bed there is a knock on the door. It is Crensencia.
“Don Diego, you sent for me,” She calls out. Diego answers, “Yes, just give me a minute. I’ll be right with you.” Diego needed to quickly change from his Zorro clothes before letting Crensencia enter.
“Crensencia, you may come in now,” beckons Diego. When Crensencia enters the bedroom she is surprised to see a young woman in Diego’s bed. She is a bit angry, but after having a closer look she realizes the Señorita is injured.
“Don Diego, what is going on? What happened to her?”
“Crensencia, I can explain, but right now I need your help.”
“Si, Don Diego, What can I do?”
“First, please find some suitable clothes for the Señorita and help her into them. It would not be proper for me to do that.”
“Of course it wouldn’t! I’ll be right back.”
“Crensencia, I have also sent Bernardo for the doctor. As soon as he arrives please send him right to my bedroom.”
“Si, Don Diego.”
Crensencia leaves Diego’s room and returns within 15 minutes with another servant to help her. Together they get the unconscious Señorita into the proper bedclothes. They pick up Toni’s bloody garments to launder them and leave the room.
After Toni is settled into Diego’s bed to await the doctor’s arrival, she awakens again and notices she isn’t in a cave but in a beautiful fancy bedroom. Diego is looking down at her, smiles and is about to say Hello Toni when Toni moans from a streak of pain that causes her to slip back into unconsciousness.
Diego is very concerned and hopes the doctor arrives soon. The doctor arrives a few minutes later. He examines Toni and motions for Diego to step out of the room with him. He explains the seriousness of Toni’s injuries and that her shoulder needs to be reset.
He cautions Diego to watch her carefully due to the head injury which has become infected and is causing a her temperature to rise. “If her temperature doesn’t come down soon, she may be in serious trouble,” said the doctor. “Now let me reset her shoulder and dress her wounds.”
Diego was listening intently, but he also remembers Jeff. He goes to the desk in his room and writes a note to Jeff informing him that Toni is at the de la Vega hacienda. Diego goes to find Bernardo to have him deliver the note.
Meanwhile, back in the pueblo, Jeff is concerned that Toni hasn’t returned from her morning ride. It is now almost noon and still no Toni. Jeff decides to approach Sergeant Garcia to see if he would take a search party to look for Toni. Just then Bernardo comes racing into town. He sees Jeff and Sergeant Garcia in the plaza and hurries to them to deliver the note.
Forgetting Bernardo can’t hear or speak, Sergeant Garcia said, “Hi Little One. What is your hurry?” Bernardo hears him but ignores him and holds out the note. Jeff realizes the note is for him. He takes it and then reads the note which states;
Señor Bradley,
Come to the de la Vega hacienda immediately..
Toni has had a riding accident.
Diego de la Vega
Jeff is angered and rushes to his horse. He follows Bernardo to the hacienda. Diego meets him when he arrives. Jeff said in an angry tone, “Where is she? What happened?”
Diego replies, “Calm down Señor Bradley. Come into the sala and I will explain.” Diego explains about Zorro, the accident, and Toni’s condition. Diego then takes Jeff to the landing outside his bedroom. Diego said, “Please wait here. I’ll talk to the doctor and let you know when you can see her.” Jeff is fuming as Diego enters the room. Diego sees that Toni has not regained consciousness.
The doctor said, “I have done all I can. It is now up to the Señorita. She has a strong heart and seems to want to fight. Diego, it is in God’s hands as well.”
Diego and the doctor leave the bedroom together. Diego is now very protective of Toni and tells Jeff “She is still unconscious, but you can see her for a minute or two.”
“Thank you,” replies Jeff, harshly. Jeff then goes into the bedroom. When he sees Toni lying motionless in the bed, he becomes angrier with her for disagreeing with him about riding alone in this wild country. He doesn’t approach the bed or even try to talk to her. Instead he turns and leaves. Diego is waiting outside the door.
Jeff said, “It is very kind of you to offer your services. However, I have to return to town. If there is any change, would you please let me know.”
Diego was very disturbed with Jeff’s attitude and looks at Jeff with dislike in his eyes and says, “Certainly, I will let you know.”
Jeff again speaks harshly; “I’ll see myself out.”
As Jeff rushes down the steps, he bumps into Don Alejandro, Diego’s Father. He is in such an aggravated state of mind he doesn’t excuse himself for the bump. Don Alejandro had been out of town visiting friends and is unaware of the present circumstances. Diego sees his Father coming up the steps.
“Diego,” said Alejandro, “Who was that? Why is the doctor here?”
“Father, let us go to the sala. I will tell you everything.”
After Diego explains the situation, his Father cautions him to be careful having the Señorita in his room.
Alejandro then said, “I’m sure you don’t want Zorro’s identity revealed.”
“No, Father, I don’t,” states Diego, “but I feel she will be safer in my room without arousing to much attention. Everyone will know she is here eventually. Right now I’m more concerned about her condition than Zorro’s identity. Father, if you will excuse me, I must check on the Señorita. The doctor has suggested I watch her closely due to the head wound.”
“Of course, my son, but just heed my advice.”
“Yes, Father I will keep it in mind.”
Diego heads back to his bedroom. When he reaches the railing at the top of the stairs he pauses to regain his composure. Diego was quite upset over Jeff’s attitude that he almost lost his temper when he was explaining the events to his Father.
Bernardo, who is standing in the patio near the front gate, watched Diego ascend the steps and pause at the top. Bernardo is puzzled by Diego’s actions and decides to follow him. Diego enters his room, pauses by the bed to check Toni, who is still unconscious, and then goes to the cave from the bedroom to attend to Tornado. Bernardo, while following Diego, also pauses by the bed then continues to the cave. Diego hears footsteps behind him and turns to find Bernardo approaching.
“Ah, Bernardo, my friend,” Diego said. “You know I almost lost my temper today when Señor Bradley was here and again when I was explaining things to Father. Jeff Bradley is a most disturbing person. For someone who is supposed to be in Love, he didn’t seem to show much compassion or affection toward Toni.” Bernardo nods in agreement.
“Bernardo, remember the other day when Toni and Jeff arrived in Los Angeles and I commented there was something different about the younger Americano,” said Diego. “Well that difference is the fact that the younger Americano turned out to be female and I am becoming very fond of her.” Bernardo, with a smile on his face, nods in agreement and together they return to the bedroom.
When Jeff arrives back in the pueblo, he is summoned to the Commadante’s office. Capitan Monastario greets him and then states, “Señor Bradley, I hear your fiancée has had a riding accident. I trust she is all right.”
Jeff answers, “She was thrown from her horse after it was bitten by a rattlesnake. She has some minor cuts and scrapes, a head wound and a dislocated shoulder. I’m afraid she will be laid up for awhile.”
“Tell me, Señor Bradley, why is she at the de la Vegas?”
“That was Zorro’s doing. Apparently he saw the incident, came to her aid, and brought her to the de la Vegas for medical attention. It seems the accident happened on their land and their hacienda was the closest place to obtain help.”
“I see,” said Monastario. “Would you please keep me informed of her progress.”
“Yes, I will.”
“Buenas tardes Señor Bradley. You may leave now.”
After hearing these details, Capitan Monastario starts to formulate another plan to trap Zorro by involving the Americano Señorita in a criminal plot. “I will have to wait until the Americano Señorita has recovered from her accident and then I’ll find some way to have her arrested,” thought Monastario. “I am sure Zorro will come to her rescue and I’ll be waiting for the fox.”
Diego and Bernardo have returned to Diego’s room, from the secret cave, to continue their watch over Toni. After moving a chair to the side of the bed Diego check’s her head wound and applies the medication the doctor left. Bernardo leaves Diego alone with Toni while he goes to the kitchen for food.
While Diego is redressing Toni’s head wound, he notices that her temperature is still high. With worry on his face, he sponges her face with cool water to help reduce the temperature. He is also softly speaking to her hoping to arouse her back to consciousness. When Bernardo returns with the food, he finds Diego gently kissing Toni. In Diego’s mind this was something he wanted to do the first time he realized Toni was female.
When Bernardo returned to the bedroom he was extremely quiet and Diego never heard him enter. Bernardo sets the food tray on the dresser and watches Diego in the mirror. A few seconds later, Diego realizes Bernardo has returned and stops kissing her. Bernardo is now facing Diego with a silly grin on his face.
Diego then said, “Oh, you think I’m falling for her.” Bernardo just shrugs his shoulders and points to the food. “Well, my friend,” Diego remarks, “You could be right, I just wish I could bring her back to us.”
That night Diego falls asleep with his head resting on his folded arms placed on the mattress next to Toni’s side. Miraculously, about an hour later, Toni finally awakens. When she opens her eyes she first sees the canopy above the bed. Her head was throbbing tremendously, but she manages to turn her head and sees Diego asleep at her side. She reaches out to touch him. The motion of her hand on his shoulder awakens him. He turns his head to face her and once again their eyes meet.
“Thank God you are back with us!” exclaims Diego with joy. “We have been so worried.”
“Diego,” Toni says in a whisper, “I know this sounds silly, but will you kiss me?” Diego looks from her to Bernardo and back to Toni and doesn’t waist another second. The kiss this time is a bit stronger than the one when she was unconscious. The kiss ends and Toni said, “I had to be sure I wasn’t dreaming.” Everyone then laughs.
