2 Madam Know-it-all

CHAPTER 2 Madam Know-it-all If you're like most of our readers, you're probably wondering what that big red button is for.

'Yeah, I've been wondering about that too,' says Terry. 'What does it do, Andy? I can't remember.' 'I don't know,' I say. 'I can't remember either.' 'Then let's push it and find out!' says Terry. 'No!' I say. 'For all we know it might be one of those buttons that blows up the whole world!' 'But then again,' says Terry, 'it might be one of those buttons that makes a rainbow come out of your nose.' 'Well, yes, maybe,' I say, 'but do you really think it's worth the risk of blowing up the whole world just to see if a rainbow comes out of your nose?'

'Um,' says Terry, 'let me think about that for a moment… um…

um… um… um… um…

'Yes?' says Terry. 'NO!' I say. 'That's the WRONG answer! Whatever you do, DO NOT push that button.' 'But—' 'No!' 'But I—' 'No!' 'But I really, really, really want to know what it does!' says Terry. 'Please let me push the button, please, please, please, pleeeeeeeeeeease!'

'No,' I say. 'I've got a better idea. We'll go and ask Madam Know-it-all what will happen if we push the button. She'll know.' 'Who's Madam Know-it-all?' says Terry. 'You know!' I say. 'The fortune teller.' 'Of course!' says Terry. 'I knew that… at least I thought I did. What did you say her name was again?' 'Don't worry about it,' I say. 'Just follow me.' We begin the long climb up and then down to Madam Know-it-all's level.