Johnston McCulley 
The Mark of Zorro [EPUB ebook] 

Timid Don Diego Vega grows faint at even the mention of bloodshed and would rather read poetry than defend his own honor. No one suspects that the effete aristocrat is living a double life as Zorro the fox, bold fighter of injustice, whose sword is ever ready to defend the poor and oppressed against a corrupt governor and his merciless army. Zorro’s charade fools even the spirited Lolita Pulido, whose father forces her to endure the listless wooing of Don Diego while her heart belongs to the masked hero who laughs in the face of danger.

This lighthearted tale of the Robin Hood of Old California unfolds as a suspenseful romp across Los Angeles of the 1820s. Loaded with colorful characters and historic atmosphere, recounted in direct and unpretentious prose, the pulp adventure offers a winning balance of action, comedy, and romance. This edition reprints the original 1919 story, published serially as ‘The Curse of Capistrano, ‘ which launched the Zorro legend. Scores of sequels followed, along with movie and television versions, all inspired by this swashbuckling classic.

Inhoudsopgave

1. Pedro, the Boaster


2. On the Heels of the Storm


3. Senor Zorro Pays a Visit


4. Sword Clas–And Pedro Explains


5. A Ride in the Norning


6. Diego Seeks a Bride


7. A Different Sort of Man


8. Don Carlos Plays a Game


9. The Clash of Blades


10. A Hint of Jealousy


11. Three Suitors


12. A Visit


13. Love Comes Swiftly


14. Captain Ramon Writes a Letter


15. At the Presidio


16. The Chase that Failed


17. Sergeant Gonzales Meets a Friend


18. Don Diego returns


19. Captain Ramon Apolgizes


20. Don Diego shows Interest


21. The Whipping


22. Swift Punishment


23. More Punishment


24. At the Hacienda of Don Alejandro.


25. a League is Formed


26. An Understanding


27. Orders for Arrest


28. The Outrage


29. Don Diego Feels Ill


30. The Sign of the Fox


31. The Rescue


32. Close Quarters


33. Flight and Pursuit


34. The Blood of the Pulidos


35. The Clash of Blades Again


36. All Against Them


37. The Fox at Bay


38. The Man Unmasked


39. ‘Meal Mush and Goat’s Milk!’

Over de auteur

Pulp-fiction author Johnston Mc Culley (1883–1958) began his writing career with magazine short stories, later moving on to novels and screenplays. His subjects ranged from crime thrillers to action heroes of Southern California, most notably Zorro, whose exploits have been repeatedly adapted for movies and television.