Eleven:

"He threatened our boy," said Brian's father.

"What did he say?" said Officer Hank.

"He said to give them Spot or else," said Brian.

"Or else what?" said Officer Frank.

"He refused to say," said Brian.

"Well that's very bad, young man," said Officer Hank. "Baffling is another thing there's no law against. All bullies baffle someone, but not everyone baffled has been bullied."

"If you prefer, you can hand the dog back to us," said Officer Frank. "Then we can make an A.P.B. to track down the zanies and tell them to pick up the dog from us."

"We can't do that," said Brian.

"Oh?" said Officer Hank. "Why's that?"

"I don't know where Spot is," said Brian. "He ran away."

"...oh," said the officers.

"Gee, Hank, maybe we shouldn't have let the boy take the dog after all," said Officer Frank.

"Yeah, Frank," said Officer Hank. "If a stray dog exposes a family to rabies, they can get shots. But clowns? There are no shots for clowns."

"You good people should call us if the buffoons should approach you again," said Officer Frank.

"Is there nothing else you can do?" said Brian's mother.

"Young man," said Officer Frank. "Gunmen panic at the sight of other guns. You should let your parents decide if they want to be seen armed rather than you. To draw the gun-fire from whatever panic they inspire." His parents hurried Brian out of the station.