The Mark of Zorro

Originally published in 1919 in All-Story Weekly as "The Curse of Capistrano", Johnston McCulley's novel "The Mark of Zorro" has inspired countless films and television adventures.

Summary:
Old California, in a bygone era of sprawling haciendas and haughty caballeros, suffers beneath the whip-lash of oppression. Missions are pillaged, native peasants are abused, and innocent men and women are persecuted by the corrupt governor and his army.

But a champion of freedom rides the highways. His identity hidden behind a mask, the laughing outlaw Zorro defies the tyrant's might.