A firing squad lines up with a prisoner. The leader of the firing squad calls out "Ready ... Aim ..." The prisoner

shouts, "Tornado!" The soldiers all run for cover and the prisoner escapes. A Second prisoner is brought out, the

leader calls out "Ready ... Aim ..>" and the prisoner shouts, "Landslide!", the firing squad runs for cover and the

prisoner escapes again. Repeat this for other natural disasters. The last prisoner is brought out and having seen

the other prisoners escape decides to do the same thing except he yells "Fire" and the firing squad does.

Version 2:

Probably taken from "You Can't Do That on Television."

Cast: Rifle squad, Commander, Person to be executed

Setting: Jail

Person about to executed is standing at pole, doing a crossword puzzle.

Commander: Ready, aim ... What are you doing?

Person: The crossword puzzle from today's New York Times. A real tough one.

Commander: Did you know I'm about to have you executed?

Person: Sure. Here ... a four letter word meaning burning ... Hmm ... Do you have any idea?

Commander: Four letters -- burning -- (takes puzzle, walks in front of pole, person sneaks away) -- F-I-R-E !

FIRE! It fits!

Firing squad shoots and he buckles over with one of those knowing looks on his face.