The Mark of Zorro · Chapter
Orders for Arrest explained
The governor arrives in Reina de Los Angeles and meets with Captain Ramón, who reports on Señor Zorro's recent activities and implicates the Pulido family in aiding the highwayman.
What happens
The governor arrives in Reina de Los Angeles and meets with Captain Ramón, who reports on Señor Zorro's recent activities and implicates the Pulido family in aiding the highwayman. Convinced of their treason, the governor orders the arrest of Don Carlos Pulido, Doña Catalina, and Lolita Pulido.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Injustice
The governor and Captain Ramón use accusations of treason to unjustly target the Pulidos, abusing their authority.
Persecution and Oppression
The Pulido family is persecuted for their alleged support of Zorro, highlighting the oppressive nature of the colonial regime.
Characters to notice
- Captain Ramón
Reports to the governor about Zorro's activities and accuses the Pulidos of aiding him.
- Don Carlos Pulido
Accused of treason and ordered arrested by the governor.
- Señorita Lolita Pulido
Accused of aiding Zorro and ordered arrested alongside her parents.
- Doña Catalina Pulido
Accused of sneering at the soldiers and ordered arrested.
- Don Diego Vega
Mentioned as having ridden to the Pulido hacienda; his absence from the plaza is noted by the governor.
- Sergeant Pedro Gonzales
Away pursuing Zorro with his men.
Key passages
“There can be but one decision in such a case... No matter how good a man's blood may be, or what his rank, he cannot be allowed to commit treason without suffering the consequences.”
The governor declares that even a man of high birth and rank must face punishment for treason.
The governor justifies the arrest of Don Carlos Pulido.
“Send half my escort at once to the hacienda of Don Carlos Pulido. Have them arrest the don and fetch him to carcel, and incarcerate him there.”
The governor orders half his escort to arrest Don Carlos Pulido and imprison him.
The governor issues the arrest order for Don Carlos.
“Have them fetched to carcel and incarcerated also!”
The governor orders the arrest and imprisonment of Doña Catalina and Lolita Pulido as well.
The governor extends the arrest order to the entire Pulido family.