> ask ladder about me You can only do that to something animate. > ask john about me There is no reply. > put john on box (first taking John) I don't suppose John would care for that. > open box You open the box, revealing a red book. > take ladder Taken. > drop ladder Dropped. > take ladder and red from box ladder: But the ladder isn't there now. red book: Yay, got rid of the red book! > quit Are you sure you want to quit? yes [Hit any key to exit.]