Johnston McCulley

Senor Vulture Johnston McCulley

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