Subject: PAY BACK TIME!
An American, an Englishman and a Frenchman are all in Saudi Arabia, sharing
a smuggled crate of booze when, all of a sudden, Saudi police rush in and
arrest them. The mere possession of alcohol is a severe offence in Saudi
Arabia, so for the terrible crime of actually being caught consuming the
booze, they are all sentenced to death!
However, after many months and with the help of very good lawyers, they are
able to successfully appeal their sentences down to life imprisonment. By a
stroke of luck, it was a Saudi national holiday the day their trial
finished, and the extremely benevolent Sheikh decided they could be released
after receiving just 20 lashes each of the whip.
As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheikh announced: "It's my
first wife's birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each of you one
wish before your whipping."
The American was first in line, he thought for a while and then said:
"Please tie a pillow to my back."
This was done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes before the whip went
through. When the punishment was done he had to be carried away bleeding and
crying with pain.
The Frenchman was next up. After watching the American in horror he said
smugly: "Please fix two pillows to my back."
But even two pillows could only take 15 lashes before the whip went through
again and the Frenchman was soon led away whimpering loudly.
The Brit was the last one up, but before he could say anything, the Sheikh
turned to him and said: "You are from a most beautiful part of the world and
your culture is one of the finest in the world. For this, you may have two
wishes!"
"Thank you, your Most Royal and Merciful highness", The Brit replied. "In
recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that you give me not 20, but
100 lashes."
"Not only are you an honourable, handsome and powerful man, you are also
very brave". The Sheikh said with an admiring look on his face. "If 100
lashes is what you desire, then so be it.
And your second wish, what is it to be?" the Sheikh asked.
"Tie the Frenchman to my back."