At Las Vegas the scouts found three cities in one: first, the ancient Spanish, then the up-to-date town with its fine hotel called the Castañeda, and, thirdly, the health resort town with its famous Las Vegas Hot Springs. At these Springs, which are a paradise for the sick or for those who believe in prevention of illness, you may sport about in boiling mineral waters, if you choose, or merely bask in the sunshine and enjoy the exhilarating air.
The following morning the Ranger led the party along the trail to Hot Springs, thence on to the Gallinas Cañon where 60,000 tons of ice are cut and shipped annually to points for 600 miles area. This ice forms at night, but the walls of the Cañon prevent the rays of the sun from ever penetrating to the bottom; thus the temperature during the day remains at the point which keeps the ice from melting.
From Las Vegas a great scenic highway of over eight thousand feet above sea level was followed by the scouts. This trail skirted forbidden cañons, sequestered lakes, ran at the base of snow-capped peaks, and through densest forests of yellow pine.
“Perhaps you do not know that the Rangers have made most of the splendid trails throughout the mountains,” said Sanderson, when Mr. Burt commented on the excellence of the road.
“I don’t see how you ever find time with all the other duties you are supposed to do,” remarked Mrs. Vernon.
“Why, Captain, right in the Pecos Forest alone you will find about six hundred miles of the finest trails which have been cut by us as our patrol rounds demanded,” explained Sanderson.
“No wonder you have such muscle and not an ounce of flesh!” laughed Mr. Vernon, admiring the erect, slender form in front of him.
“Another thing you’ll find in the Pecos—all the game we will need for food whenever we camp. If you prefer trout, all you have to do is to camp on the banks of a stream. The trout jump into the frying pan and cook themselves. Should you prefer wild turkey or quail, even venison, just wish and there it is!”
“Gee! what wouldn’t I give to have time to go with you on a hunting trip,” exclaimed Burt.
“You would never enjoy a hunting trip with me,” declared the Ranger, “for the best of reasons: I never hunt or kill for sport. If I need food, I take it, but I have yet to kill for the satisfaction of seeing a wild creature give up its life just because I can use a gun.”