Senor Vulture

by Johnston McCulley
Tales of Zorro's Old California

In the early 1800s, California — with its warmth, its romance, its peaceful beauties — was still under Spanish rule. While the legend of Zorro grew, stirring the hearts of Californians, this sprawling state was a land of opportunity and adventure — and, oft-times, great danger.

Señor Vulture

Mission San Juan Capistrano was blessed with a beautiful morning — then the runner whom folk called El Viento, the Wind arrived with grim tidings. He told of the coming of one Marcos Palma — known far and wide as Señor Vulture, a black-clad rider carrying papers from the governor.

Who would challenge this sinister messenger and his ill-visaged body servant? Might it be Sergeant Valdez, commander of the garrison? Or perhaps Don Ricardo Rizal, son of a wealthy landowner? Dorotea, daughter of his father’s oldest friend? Or perhaps that old rascal, Juan Bardoso, inn-keeper and ex-pirate with a smile …

Don Robert's Right Arm —an additional short story of Old California!

When an enemy's treachery destroys his sword-arm, the Don deliberately acquires another even better than the first!

Cover by Francisco Silva