Fifteen

"Dither not, Monsieur le Brian," said Spot. "Only by moments eludes us the chance to rescue Mademoiselle and Monsieur les Parents."

"I'll get my parents back," said Brian, "when the police give you back to the circus dimwits."

"No," said Spot. "As King of the World, I take the challenge to retrieve Mademoiselle and Monsieur les Parents personally myself. Besides, the monsieur I win the broadcast quiz from? He says to return here for the King of the World crowning."

"Return where?" said Brian. "Our home? How would they know where we live? Do you even know how to tell anyone where we live?"

"I tell them nothing of the voodoo of the maps and the finding places," said Spot. "All they say is to return across the street to the home of Monsieur le Brian. Now, be good and give me the bath before we go. Let me push the tubful of water all over you and I may also be good and still remember you after I rescue your parents."

"Ahem," said the peg legged stranger who interrupted them.

"Excuse me," said the knight. "The new king and I were about to duel. Can we help you with something?"

"Its Majesty Spot has yet to formally take the crown," said the stranger. "Until then, the dog you seek to duel is of uncertain pedigree."