freshly sharpened pencils...

A Ndebele was sitting with a Shona and a Tonga in Saudi Arabia sharing a smuggled barrel of beer, when all of a sudden the police entered and arrested them. They were initially given a death sentence but as it was a national holiday, the sheikh decided they should be released after each receiving 20 lashes of the whip. As they were preparing for their punishment, the sheikh said '' It's my wife's birthday today and she asked me to allow you one wish before your whipping , but you can not wish not to be whipped !''. The Tonga thought for a second then said '' Please tie a pillow to my back before whipping''. This was done but the pillow lasted 10 lashes.The Shona saw this and said '' Please tie two pillows to my back before whipping.'' This was done and lasted for the whole 20 lashes.

The Ndebele saw this , but before he could make his wish, the Sheikh said '' As you are from the western Zimbabwe with all the poverty and you share the same enthicity with Mqabuko, you are permitted to have two wishes !!''

The Ndebele thought for a second , and then said '' Thank you , most royal and merciful highness . My first wish is to receive 50 lashes with the strongest , toughest whip available.
''If you desire'', the sheikh replied with a questioning look on his face.
''And your second wish ?''
''Tie the Shona on my back''.