Ducks dotted the glassy surface of the lakes; a blue heron stood motionless on a water-gate; kingfishers darted with shrieking flight along the shady banks; a white hawk sailed above; and from the trees and shrubs came the song of robins and cat-birds.

It was all in strange contrast to the endless slopes of lonely sage and the wild rock environs beyond.

Venters thought of the woman who loved the birds and the green of the leaves and the murmur of the water.
Next on the slope, just below the third and largest lake, were corrals and a wide stone barn and open sheds and coops and pens.

Here were clouds of dust, and cracking sounds of hoofs, and romping colts and heehawing burros.

Neighing horses trampled to the corral fences.