# File lib/cucumber/step_mother.rb, line 166
    def ask(question, timeout_seconds)
      STDOUT.puts(question)
      STDOUT.flush
      announce(question)

      if(Cucumber::JRUBY)
        answer = jruby_gets(timeout_seconds)
      else
        answer = mri_gets(timeout_seconds)
      end
      
      if(answer)
        announce(answer)
        answer
      else
        raise("Waited for input for #{timeout_seconds} seconds, then timed out.")
      end
    end