If Wishes Were Horses

Akpos and Musa were caught in a Northern african country, sharing a smuggled barrel of beer. They were arrested and taken to the Sheik's palace for questioning and judgment.

Akpos lied that Musa smuggled and forced him to drink the beer! Both were initially given a death sentence but, as it was a national holiday, the Sheik decided they should be released after some lashes of the whip. As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheik said, "It's my first wife's birthday today and she asked me to allow each of you 2 wishes before your whipping, but you cannot wish not to be whipped!"

Akpos thought for a second then said: "Please tie two pillows to my back before whipping." And my second wish is that you flog me only 20 strokes of the whip. He was whipped, and luckily for him, the pillows helped to make the pain of the whip lesser.

Musa saw this; thought for a second, then said: "Thank you, most royal and merciful highness for the wishes. My first wish is to receive 100 lashes with the strongest, toughest whip available.", Akpos laughed and thought Musa was a fool...The Sheik replied with a puzzled look on his face," and your second wish?"

Musa replied "Tie Akpors to my back!"