An Englishman, an American, and a Pollock are being executed by way of the guillotine.

Before they were executed the executioner would ask them if they had any last requests before they were beheaded. He also added that if the machine happened to malfunction that they would be set free and the case would be dropped.

The Englishman steps up and the executioner asks him "What is your last request?" The Englishman, being a man who has great pride in his country says "Hail Queen Elizabeth!" And with that, he puts his head in and the executioner lets go. A miracle happens and the blade stops about an inch from his neck and he is set free.

Then, the American steps up and the executioner asks him the same question. The American, having great pride in his country says, "Remember all the lives lost in the Alamo." And with that, he puts his head in and the executioner lets go. Another miracle happens and the blade stops an inch from his neck and he is set free.

The Pollock steps up and says, "Do you know that you have a knot in your rope?"