Chapter 2
He finally reached the blacksmith�s shop and came inside, looking around. The blacksmith was there, talking to some stranger. Bernardo caught the words �taxes� and �convoy� and made a few steps forward to hear better. The stranger tugged the blacksmith on the sleeve, alerting him to Bernardo�s presence. Luis turned to face the newcomer, and the look of concern faded away from his face as he recognized the little deaf-mute servant. �Do not worry about him, Manuel. He is deaf-and-dumb.�
�Are you certain of it?� Manuel asked suspiciously.
�S�, I am certain. Watch.� He made a sign to Bernardo to wait outside, and, as the latter turned around, he picked up a heavy iron chest and dropped it on the ground. The chest made such rattle that it made Manuel jump in surprise. Bernardo, however, continued walking imperturbably toward the door. Not a single movement betrayed the fact that his heart had almost burst at that moment. A triumphant smile crossed his lips, as he heard a long awaited �You see?� behind his back.
Manuel must have been satisfied with the result of the demonstration, for the conversation resumed even before Bernardo exited the shop.
�They usually send four soldiers with the carriage, plus a driver. Two will ride in the front and two in the back,� Luis continued. �If we make our ambush the right way, there should be no problem taking all of them out.�
�And you said they will be coming by El Camino Real?�
�S�. That is right by my shop. Come here with your master this evening. We will set everything up.�
* * *
Bernardo had nearly forgotten the purpose of his coming to the blacksmith. He could barely wait until the latter was done shoeing his horse. All he could think about was getting home and telling Diego what he heard.
He ran into the sala, agitated and almost out of breath, and, noticing the two dons who sat by the fireplace, hurried toward them. Before any one of the de la Vegas could open their mouths to ask him what was the reason for his long absence, the little mute began gesticulating with great speed.
�Slow down, Bernardo,� Diego pleaded. �I cannot understand a word you are saying.�
The little mute threw up his hands in desperation � how could he make them understand. Then he motioned his hand as if saying, �Wait a minute,� and began signing slowly, miming his recent adventures. When the little manservant was finished, Diego frowned and turned to his father. �I think Zorro should drop in on that meeting this evening,� he said more like stating a fact than giving a suggestion. Don Alejandro nodded, and his son smiled in return.
* * *
�This evening then?� the first phantom asked gloomily.
�Yes, we will follow him.�
***
Alejandro de la Vega watched, as Zorro jumped onto the back of his faithful black stallion and rode out of the secret cave. The thick branches closed in behind his son, concealing the entrance from any curious eyes. Suddenly, an echo of unexplainable fear crept into the heart of the old don, causing him to shudder inwardly from an unknown cause. But the feeling disappeared as unexpectedly, and Alejandro brushed the troubling thoughts aside.