Count the letters. The clue is the omission of the question mark. However they missed the 'has' before the 9
"What" has 4 "Sometimes" has 9 "Never" has 5 As you say boots, it's a statement rather than a question
Hmmm. An incorrect use of the operator "+" IMHO. When their in front of you they're is some confusion as to what there answers should be if you don't use their correct meanings.
I think as it was in a multiple of quiz's, it was more seeing if your mind can think beyond what appears obvious. a numerical titillation and little more