THE COYOTE 
69 
Instantly the coyote jumped ahead, and before 
anyone could speak he was fading away in the dis- 
tance. When the family turned to look, a cowboy on 
a horse was seen riding toward them. 
“Howdy, folks, 11 he called cheerily. “Had to take 
a long range crack at that coyote. Knew I couldn't 
get any closer, likely. He can tell when a fellow has 
a gun. But I missed him. Just found a young calf 
killed by coyotes on our ranch this morning, so I'm 
gunning for the dogs. 11 
“I know how it is, 11 Uncle Ely said. “Em a rancher, 
too, down in Texas. 11 
“Texas, eh? We-11, you got plenty of 'em there. 
I'll be ridin 1 on. So long." 
The cowboy’s horse galloped easily away and noth¬ 
ing more was seen of the coyote. The Blairs got back 
in their car and started off. 
Presently Ginger spoke. “Does the wild dog have 
puppies, Uncle Ely?" 
“Certainly. They're the cutest little pups you ever 
saw. Six or seven at a time. They usually make a 
den in a cave or a hidden hollow. The mother and 
father coyotes teach the pups to hunt. If you dis¬ 
cover the den while the pups are young, the coyote 
family will move away. They don't trust man." 
