The bandits had to pass through a small portion of woodland on the way to Alejandro's hacienda, and the shadows were more than adequate to hide Zorro's form until just the right moment.
Zorro swung down out of a tree, and stood firm in the middle of the path.
"Gentlemen, I see we have a problem," he said icily. "Unhand the boy and we will be on our way."
He slowly removed his whip from his belt, and watched the men as they responded to his presence. One froze terrified and two ran back down the path. Their leader chuckled.