Selby's Stardom by Duncan Ball Read Free Book Online Page A

wrong number! Give me that,’ Selby said, snatching the phone out of the Count’s hand. Then, putting on his best Count Karhnt imitation voice, Selby said, ‘The secret code number is 1—2—3—4.’
    â€˜Did you say 1—2—3—4?’ a voice asked.
    â€˜Yes. It was all a big mistake,’ Selby said.
    â€˜Is this really Count Karnht?’
    â€˜Of course it is!’ Selby said, slipping back into his own voice.
    â€˜Then how did you get the secret code number right?’
    â€˜I just did, that’s all.’
    â€˜I don’t believe you. If you’d have said any number but 1—2—3—4 I might have believed you but you didn’t. So say your prayers, robber, because we’re on our way!’
    Click.
    â€˜Gulp,’ Selby said. ‘What did he mean, “Say your prayers?”’
    The Count heaved a sigh.
    â€˜He meant that they’re going to kill us.’
    â€˜But they can’t do that,’ Selby protested. ‘You’re the head of the whole country.’
    â€˜I know what these guys are like. In about two minutes the Captain of the Guard and his men will come crashing in here in their black uniforms and they’ll throw in stun grenades. These guys shoot first and ask questions later. I’m afraid that we won’t have a chance to explain.’
    â€˜Double gulp,’ Selby said.
    â€˜You never should have said 9—6—7—1,’ the Count said.
    â€˜But I didn’t. I said 1–2–3–4.’
    â€˜That’s what I said you said: 2–2–3–7.’
    â€˜Oh, this is hopeless,’ Selby snapped at the Count. ‘Can’t you learn to say 1–2–3–4? Here, lets start with one. Say one.’
    â€˜Two.’
    â€˜No, say
one.
‘
    â€˜Seventeen.’
    â€˜This is useless. I’ll tell you what,’ Selby said. ‘I’ll tell them that I’m the one who gave the secret code on the phone.’
    â€˜Great idea!’ the Count said.
    â€˜But there is a problem. I don’t want anyone to know that I can talk,’ Selby said. ‘I’m the only talking dog in Australia — and probably Tallstoria — and even maybe the world, but I’m keeping it a secret.’
    â€˜Surely the Trifles know.’
    â€˜Nope.’
    â€˜Why don’t you want anyone to know?’
    â€˜Because I don’t want to be famous. I just want to be left alone.’
    â€˜I know exactly what you mean. There are times when I hate being famous.’
    â€˜Hey! I’ve got a better idea,’ Selby said. ‘Why don’t I answer for both of us …’
    Minutes later, the Captain of the Guard was at the door with all his men.
    â€˜Get ready to die, you imposter!’ he cried.
    â€˜Don’t shoot!’ Count Karnht said. ‘I am the real Count and I order you to raise these bars immediately!’
    â€˜You look like Count Karnht but you can’t behim or you wouldn’t have been able to say the secret code number.’
    â€˜Oh, yeah?’ the Count said. ‘Listen to this …’ There was a short silence and then Count Karnht’s mouth moved and out came the numbers ‘1—2—3—4’.
    â€˜I beg your pardon?’
    â€˜I learnt it,’ Count Karnht said excitedly. ‘It’s … 1-2–3–4.’
    â€˜So you did,’ the Captain of the Guard said, unlocking the grille. ‘This is a miracle!’
    â€˜Yes it is,’ Count Karnht said proudly.
    Selby peeked out from behind the stand that held the royal crowns to see the Captain of the Guard raise the bars.
    In a few minutes, Selby sat in front of a log fire with Count Karnht.
    â€˜You don’t scare me anymore,’ the Count said, patting him. ‘I think I was so frightened of getting killed that I forgot to be frightened of you.’
    â€˜Well, I’m glad of that,’