In the _carcel_ there was no light at all except one candle burning in the office, where a sleepy man was on guard. The jailer was in his bed. Prisoners moaned on the hard benches in the prison-room. Don Carlos Pulido stood before a window, looking up at the stars; and his wife and daughter huddled on a bench beside him, unable to sleep in such surroundings.
The _caballeros_ found Señor Zorro waiting for them as he had said he would be, but he remained aloof, speaking scarcely a word, until all were present.
"All except Don Diego Vega," one replied. "He is ill with a fever, _señor_."
And all the _caballeros_ chuckled, for they had an idea the fever was caused by cowardice.
"I take it that you know something of what is in my mind," Señor Zorro said. "We know what has happened to Don Carlos Pulido and the ladies of his family. We know they are innocent of any treason; and were they not, they should not have been taken to _carcel_ and incarcerated with common felons and drunkards.
"Think of those gentle ladies in such surroundings! Think of it--because Don Carlos has the ill will of the governor! It is the sense of the league that something be done in this matter? If it is not, then will I do something by myself!"
"Rescue them!" a _caballero_ said; and the others growled their approval. Here was a chance for risk and adventure and an opportunity to do a good deed.
"We must enter the _pueblo_ quietly," Señor Zorro said. "There is no moon, and we will not be observed if we use caution. We shall approach the _carcel_ from the south. Each man will have his task to do.
"Some will surround the building to give notice if any approach it. Others must be ready to beat off the soldiers, if they respond to an alarm. Others will effect an entrance to the _carcel_ with me, and rescue the prisoners."
"That is but a small part of it. Don Carlos is a proud man, and if given time for reflection may refuse to be rescued. We cannot allow that. Certain ones will seize him and take him from the place. Others will attend to the Doña Catalina. I will undertake to care for the _señorita_. Now--we have them free! And then what?"
He heard murmurs, but no distinct reply, and so he continued to outline the plan.