Chapter 6

Mendoza rode for about fifteen minutes before he saw Zorro, he urged his horse to go even faster. I have to tell him, before it is too late. A couple of minutes later he reached Zorro, Mendoza jumped off his horse and ran to him.

"Wait, don't do anything!"

"What is the matter, Mendoza, I heard that the coach is going to be held up, so what are you worried about?"

"It's a trap for you, this is meant to draw you out, the robbery will be real. But the lancers will be hiding and follow you. That are our orders, They will be hiding on every trail discovered this week."

"Are you sure? If that is true I will have to intervene, but I must be on my guard as well, making sure I don't give anyone a chance to follow me. Do you know what trails they are on?"

"No, I have no idea, everyone is ordered to stay on the trail that he has discovered. I am supposed to be on the place from yesterday."

"Gracias, I will keep an eye out. You better get to your assigned spot, don't worry I'll be fine."

"You're welcome." After having said that he took off.

Unaware to both of them, two lancers were stationed nearby, starting to grin widely. They discovered more than they could think of, a traitor in their midst. None other than Mendoza, DeSoto would surely promote them, when they told him. Silently they left their positions and went on their way to the alcalde's office, knowing he would be interested in this news.

Zorro looked in front of him and saw the coach coming, followed by two men on horseback. This must be it, remember what Mendoza said, lancers will be watching nearby. He saw the two men draw their weapons, quickly he grabbed his whip and knocked the pistols out of their hands. The two men started to flee, Zorro went in pursuit and quickly caught up with them, he knocked them out of their saddles and knocked them unconscious. He tied them up and slumped their bodies over the saddle and sent them towards the coach.

Mendoza looked at the events from a distance, he looked at Zorro and saw that he used an open field to make his escape. Of course, if the lancers want to follow him now, they would have to come out of hiding. He saw one lancer follow Zorro and shook his head, knowing the fox would escape once more.

One hour later two lancers came back to the pueblo, they couldn't believe what they saw. Mendoza en Zorro, more specific Mendoza warning Zorro. They walked to the alcalde's office and knocked on the door.

DeSoto sat in his office and heard a loud knock. It has to be my men bringing in Zorro, it better be. "Enter!"

"Alcalde, we have some important news for you."

"Speak, private."

"When we were on our assigned trail, we saw a rider approaching fast on Zorro. We waited like you said and we heard everything they said to one another."

"You actually mean Zorro has an accomplice? That is great news indeed, do you know who it was?"

"Sí, that was the biggest surprise of it all, the man speaking to Zorro and warning him was none other than..." The two men looked at each other, grinning.

"Well private, who was it! Tell me now!"

"Mendoza, alcalde. It was Mendoza."

"You have got to be kidding me, Mendoza aiding Zorro. That will be the day."

"It is true alcalde, we both saw it with our own eyes Mendoza told Zorro everything about us being on the trails and that we were supposed to follow and not go in pursuit."

"If what you tell me is true, Mendoza has not seen the last of me. Trust me before this day is over, I will squeeze the truth out of him. If he convinces me that you are telling me the truth, trust me you wouldn't want to be him. Now get out and let me think."

The two lancers left and talked to each other speculating what would happen to Mendoza.

Mendoza was on his way back to the cuartel, when a soldier informed him that the alcalde wanted to speak to him. Oh no, now I'm in for it. Why is it that every time one of his plans don't get the desired result I'm the one blamed. Except this time I am the one who did it. Let's just get it over with. He walked to the door of the alcalde, but before he could knock he already heard a voice.

"Enter!" Mendoza opened the door and saw DeSoto in front of him. "Mendoza, take a seat. There is something I have to discuss with you. As you know Zorro escaped us once again, but it was like he already knew about our plan to trap him. Do you know how that could be?"

"No alcalde, I have no idea at all." Mendoza swallowed a lump in his throat and started to sweat. DeSoto looked at him and started to take a better look at Mendoza. Mendoza, pull yourself together. If he finds out you'll be dead.

DeSoto saw tiny drops of transpiration trickle down Mendoza's face. Well, well, well, it seems we have a traitor here. Let's make him squirm a bit more. "That is too bad, I was hoping you knew something, considering you were in charge of the operation. Are you sure you don't know anything?"

"I'm sure alcalde." I have to get out of here, if I don't go fast, I'll tell him everything whether I like it or not.

"All right sergeant, you're excused. You can go now."

"Gracias alcalde." Dios mio, that was a close call. Mendoza turned around and started to leave when he saw lancers by the windows. He turned back around and saw DeSoto chuckle in his chair.

"What is the matter sergeant, don't worry, it will be quick for you. You'll hardly feel a thing."

The lancers started to move towards the door and DeSoto stood up walking towards Mendoza. Mendoza ran towards the door of the jail and opened it. He quickly closed it again and ran towards the back door. He opened the door and sprinted to his horse. Madre de Dios, please don't let them get me.

Lancers came in pursuit of him and DeSoto stood outside on his porch and laughed. When my men get you, you will tell me everything about your friend and neither of you will be able to hide from me.