Another Episode

Monastario hopes his plan to delay Judge Vasca will allow Licenciado Pina to sentence Don Alejandro and Don Nacho to death.

Diego visits his father and Don Nacho at the cuartel jail.  He is very surprised to find them in excellent spirits.  They explain that the Governor is sending a judge, Judge Vasca from Monterey, to preside over their trial.  They feel confident that once this judge, who has a reputation for being fair, hears the case, they will be found innocent and set free. Diego is less certain of a happy outcome.  He has come to understand how devious and shrewd Capitan Monastario is, and when he sees Sergeant Garcia and several soldiers leave the cuartel to supposedly meet Judge Vasca, he decides that Zorro should follow along to keep an eye on things. Monastario, indeed, has a plan up his sleeve.  Sergeant Garcia has orders to delay the judge.  Monastario has told him it is because he wants time to plan a festive reception.  In truth, Monastario wants him delayed beyond the time of the trial so that he will have an excuse for Licenciado Pina to officiate.  Monastario knows that Pina will give him the judgement he desires:  Alejandro de la Vega and Nacho Torres guilty of treason! The morning of the trial arrives.  Capitan Monastario is filled with satisfication.  Judge Vasca is not in Los Angeles, and Pina will, indeed, be sitting in the judge's seat.  What Monastario does not know is that Zorro has once again foiled his plans. Zorro realized Monastario's plan to delay Judge Vasca.  He managed to get the judge out of the inn where he had been drugged, into the carriage, and on his way to Los Angeles.  Even as the trial began, Zorro arrived in Los Angeles, Judge Vasca not far behind. Capitan Monastario begins the trial over the protests of the alcalde and the dons.  Pina announces that if Judge Vasca arrives, he will relinquish the judge's seat.  Monastario begins to argue his case against Don Nacho and Don Alejandro.  He believes his case is compelling, and he is certain that Licenciado Pina will find the dons guilty.  When he finishes his eloquent presentation, he turns to Pina for the expected verdict. Unknown to Monastario, Zorro has crept in behind Pina.  He presses his sword against the acting judge's back.  "This is the sword of Senorita Justice," Zorro proclaims.  Faced with a scowling Monastario before him and Zorro's sword at his back, Pina croaks, "Not guilty."

"What?" an astounded Monastario hollers. "Not guilty," Pina repeats.  With his head he gestures towards the curtains behind him.  Monastario puls the curtain aside to discover a steel rod leaning against Pina's back.  He grabs it in anger.  There is no doubt in his mind that Zorro is responsible.

Judge Vasca arrives at the inn.  Monastario quickly explains that the trial has been concluded and that the men have been found innocent.  However, Monastario has had his plans ruined by Zorro one too many times.  He knows that he will have to rid himself of the masked man in black before he will ever be able to carry out his agenda. ~*~

Monastario realizes he must deal with Zorro before he may continue with his plans.

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