An American, a Dutchman 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
offense 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
Sheik
decided they could be released after receiving just 20 lashes
each of the whip. As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheik 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 Dutchman 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 Dutchman in horror he said smugly: "Please Tie 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 (as they do).
The American was the last one up, but before he could say
anything,the Sheik 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 American
replied. "In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that
you give me not 20, but 100 lashes."
"Not only are you an honorable, handsome and powerful man, you are also very brave". The Sheik 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 Sheik asked.
The American replied: "Tie the Frenchman to my back."