Banducci, Sullivan and Piwalski, traveling together in Mexico, got drunk and killed a Mexican. All three were sentenced to the electric chair.
First they sat Banducci down and asked him if he had any last words. “I am a dentist,” said the Italian, “and I will care for everyone in the village for twenty-five years if you will let me go.”
The authorities refused and the executioner proceeded to carry out the sentence. He pulled the switch and nothing happened.
“By law,” said the executioner, “the Italian is a free man, because the electric chair did not work.” Then the Irishman sat down. The same question was asked. “I am a doctor,” said Sullivan, “and I would care for the villagers for twenty-five years in exchange for my freedom.” Again the answer was no. The switch was pulled and nothing happened. He went free.
Then Piwalski sat down. He was asked if he had any last words. “I am a graduate in electrical engineering from Texas A & M,” said the Polack, “and if you put that white wire in that hole, and the red wire in that hole…”