U-WRITE-IT RESULTS

Clearly frustrated, Christopher spat, "Now we have to start the process all over again." He picked up the urn of holy water.

Benjamin started the ancient medicinal chanting that his great grandfather, a Hopi Indian, had taught him as a youngster.

The baby cooed and breathed in the sounds of the healing powers knowing that this time, it would work.

WHAT! You're loopy! Rats don't speak!" Christopher exclaimed.

"Well, this one did, it said it's name over and over!"

"What did it say?"

"Annette, Annette, Annette...."

"After it had eaten the cheese?"

"Yes."

"Then her name is Ann."

"No, it's Annette..."

"Think about it, it's Ann, cos Ann -- et."

Goggle-eyed, Christopher reached toward the miniature plastic pterodactyl. "DON'T!" Benjamin shriek-whispered, grabbing Christopher's arm just in time to keep his fingers from touching the long-beaked head.

Blinking, the pterodactyl opened its mouth. Out came the tiniest of sounds: Crock!

"What're you gonna do, Benjy? Are you gonna name it? Will your mom let you keep it?" Questions tumbled out of Christopher's mouth like jellybeans from a candy machine.

"Are you nuts, Chris? Of course Mom won't let me keep it," Benjamin shook his head remorsefully. "Remember the glass dragon? The fire? I'm still spending my allowance on these new curtains."

Christopher interrupted excitedly, "Well, I'll take it."

GRAAAAAAAAWK!

Both boys stared slack jawed as the pterodactyl soared up into the air and right out Benjamin's open bedroom window.

"Oh, you're full of beans. Newly hatched fire ants can't sing The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I am! I'm a scientist!"

"Oh, okay, then."

"Maybe God Save the Queen, but never The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Too many high notes for the little beggers."