Harry Castlemon 
Elam Storm, The Wolfer Or, The Lost Nugget [EPUB ebook] 

SOMETHING ABOUT THE NUGGET. Yes, sir; it’s just like I tell you. Every coyote on this here ranch, mean and sneaking as he is, is worth forty dollars to the man who can catch him. Then what is the reason Carlos and I can’t make some money this winter? You mout, and then again you moutn’t. It aint everybody who can coax one of them smart prowlers to stick his foot in a trap. If that was the case, my neighbors would have had more sheep, and Elam Storm would be worth a bushel of dollars. And you are going to grub-stake him again this winter, are you, Uncle Ezra? Sure. I always do. What is the reason you won’t let us go with him to the mountains? ‘Cause I know that your folks aint so tired of you that they are ready to lose you yet awhile; that’s why. Only just a few days. We’ll come back at the end of the week if you say so, won’t we, Carlos? "’Taint no use of talking, Ben; not a bit. Man alive! what would I say to the major if anything should happen to you? And going off with Elam Storm! That would be the worst yet