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Some days later María learned that Capitán Romero's soldiers under the supervision of Sergeant Cabrera had arrested Don Pedro, a longtime friend and neighbor of the de La Vegas. It was time for Zorro to ride again. With her cunning and expert swordsmanship, she was able to free Don Pedro and take him to a safe place where the Capitán could not find him.

The next day when Diego de La Vega was in the cantina, he again overheard a conversation among the townspeople.

            "And he freed Don Pedro!"

            "So where is Don Pedro?"

            "No one knows, but I would imagine that he is safe."

            "But the way he fought the soldiers! It was incredible. He is so swift with the sword and so good on his feet. He outfoxed them again."

            Diego could not believe his ears. He was a both angry and proud. He knew that María was living dangerously as Zorro. He had to do something.

María continued to ride as Zorro, and her fame spread all over California. Each time the story about her daring deeds became more incredible. Diego would learn the details of her accomplishments from the men and women of the cantina. It was time to act. It was something hard to accept, but Diego knew it had to be done.

One morning Diego was sitting in the study reading when Sofía walked into the room.

            "Diego, did you ever find out who took your clothes and horse?"

            "Yes I did."

            "Who?"

            "I think you should sit down."

Sofía sat down.

            "María, our daughter," he said.

            "María! What? Are you sure?"

            "Yes. I stayed up until she got home. She came into the study and I saw her. She has been Zorro for weeks now."

            "And you never told me?"

            "I did not want to worry you. I knew it would only upset you."

            "What is she trying to do, get herself killed? Why would she do such a dangerous thing?"

            "She over heard us talking a few weeks ago and wanted to help."

            "How did she know where to find the key to your clothes?"

            "I do not know. She is a very clever girl. She probably found it by accident. You never know with María."

            "She is not doing it again."

            "We need to talk about that."

            "Talk about what? Diego, she is not going out again!"

            "Sofía, I have gone to the cantina everyday, and I hear people talking about the deeds of Zorro from the night before. The way they talk about it, it amazes me. To think they were talking about our daughter. I could not believe my ears. Sofía, she has to ride as Zorro. She could help California. The people need her. I have concluded that this is her destiny."

            "Diego, I do not want my daughter living like an outlaw."

            "I know you do not, but what she does is vital for the people. It is as if she were born to do this, like me. It was my destiny and now it is hers. Her skills are truly amazing. Did you know that she studied fencing in Spain?"

"Certainly not! When did you learn this?"

"Not until after she returned home. But besides that, I have seen her fight.

Bernardo and I watched her. Then she and I engaged in a sword fight in the cave. She is really quite good. I hope you will change your mind, if not for her, then for California."

Sofía was silent for a long time. She did not want her only daughter to get hurt. She hated the fact the María wanted to do this so much.

            "I will not give my blessing to this action. I will not stand in her way either. I am opposed to this, and I believe you understand my reasons. My daughter comes before California. You must promise to help her all you can. For years I worried about losing you. Now I have to worry about losing my only child, too. This is too much. I will not give you or her my blessing."

            Sofíaturned and left the room before Diego could respond. He felt for her. He lovedher and understood the pain she was feeling at the moment. Maybe she would cometo see the need for this as he had. He could only hope.

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