20 Lashes

An Englishman, and Irishman and a Scotsman are all caught drinking alcohol over in a middle eastern county where this activity is illegal.

As a punishment they are each sentenced to 20 lashes from the whip. However - as they are visitors to the country - each are given 1 request that must be granted

Upon debating his options for a few moments the Englishman answers -

"I would like a pillow made from goose feathers tied to my back before the lashing begins."

As requested a pillow made from goose feathers is tied to his back before the lashing begins. Unfortunately the pillow only lasts for 5 lashes before falling apart and the Englishmans back is damaged considerably.

After seeing this the Irishman decides that 1 pillow was not enough and says -

"I would like 2 pillows made from goose feathers tied to my back before the lashing begins."

As requested 2 pillows made from goose feathers are tied to his back before the lashing begins. Unfortunately the pillows only last for 10 lashes before falling apart and the Irishmans back is hurt almost as bad as the Englishmans.

When it comes to the Scotsmans turn he thinks about it very hard for some time and then says -

"I would like the Englishman tied to my back and could you make it 40 lashes?"