Chapter 3
by Marian Robinson
The next mornig, Johnston and H.G. enjoyed a hearty breakfast. They
noticed the tavern was all abuzz, regarding El Zorro's bold rescue
and release of don Nacho the previous night. There were laughs and
comments about how the lancers could not find either escapee. It was
as if the earth had swallowed them up. Johnston decided to follow a
hunch that was sitting at the back of his mind. He asked the
innkeeper, Tio, who this don Armando was.
"Ohhh, don Armando Catalano is the only son of don Alejandro
Catalano," Tio told him. "They not only own the largest rancho, but
they are the wealthest family in all of California."
"Gracias, Tio," Johnston said, bowing courteously.
"You are most welcome, Senor. Is there anything more I can get for
you, Senores?" Tio asked, always the businessman. With nothing more
he could do at their table, Tio continued his trade behind the bar.
Johnston stood, stroking his chin and began thinking. H.G. came up
and patted him on the back and stated, in a low tone, "I have
some 'travelling' to do, my friend. I will come back for you soon."
Johnston nodded and replied, "Okay, but do not forget me. I do not
want to be stuck here for good." H.G. smiled and left to retrieve
what luggage he had, and returned to check out. Before going out the
door, he noticed Johnston again, still deep in thought. Breaking the
reverie, H.G. said, "I am going to do a little research into the
future and will come back with my findings. You'd better take the
rest of the pesos, if you plan to stay here much longer. Adios, my
friend." And with that, he was gone. Johnston felt a little worried
about H.G. being able to return. What if the machine has mechanical
trouble again? he thought.
Setting aside his misgivings, he went outside to get some air. He
saw a troop of soldiers arriving from what turned out to be another
futile search for the escapees.
Not to be made laughing stocks, a fresh battalion of lancers left the
cuartel and rode north. The passed a carriage being pulled by mules,
which, arriving in the plaza, pulled over to a hitching rail by a
shady tree. Johnston noticed the occupants of the carriage were none
other than don Armando Catalano and his servant, Bernardo. Johnston
felt an urge and need to meet the young Catalano, but how? In his
mind, JOhnston was sure there would be no social barrier keeping him
from addressing him. He walked non-chalantly towards the carriage.
Don Armando backed out of the carriage and swung around quickly,
almost running into Johnston.
"Pardon, Senor," don Armando apologized, bowing slightly. "I was not
watching where I was going."
"That is quite alright, don Armando," Johnston replied. He noticed
the young man did a double take at hearing his name spoken from a
perfect stranger.
"You know my name, Senor?" don Armando asked with a raised eyebrow.
The man was not familiar to him. "But I am afraid you have me at a
disadvantage."
"Forgive me, Senor Catalano," Johnston replied. "I oeverheard the
Sgt. bellow out your name yesterday upon your return. Allow me to
introduce myself. My name is Juan Martinez. I am retired and
devided to live out my life in a smaller town. I hail from San
Francisco, but it has grown so large and so noisy!" Johnston held up
his hands to his ears and shook his head, which prompted them both to
laugh.
"Oh yes, the Sgt. does have a rather loud voice, does he not?"
answered don Armando, with a smile that Johnston not only considered
warm and friendly, but it was blindingly brilliant. "Si, San
Francisco can be rather boisterous at times. The place for young men
to idle their days and nights tossing away their money gambling and
serenading the lovely senoritas. For myself, I like a good book,
composing songs, and playing the guitar. That is, besides my chores
at home, of course, eh?"
"Of course, of course," Johnston answered back. "I am, as I said
retired, but the teacher in me never seems to realize it. I thought
I would write a novel or two before I pass away."
"Indeed?" don Armando said, a little concern to his voice, "I hope
you are not sick, Senor?" But Johnston assured him of the
contrary. "Well then," the young don continued, "I hope that you
will have many years to write as many novels. It sounds very
interesting, Senor. If I may ask, on what do you plan to write?"
"Oh, nothing like a textbook, Senor Catalano, just about legends here
in California----old and NEW!" Johnston replied with amusement and
imagaination. The emphasis on 'new' got the reaction he sought. Don
Armando's face went white and he started to stammer..........
