One day the boss called him in to the office for a talk. "Charley, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang-up job when you finally get here; but your being late so often is quite bothersome ."

"Yes, I know, boss, and I am working on it."

"Well, good; you are a team player. That's what I like to hear."

"Yes, sir, I understand your concern and I'll try harder."

Seeming puzzled, the manager went on to comment, "It's odd though, your coming in late. I know you're retired from the Armed Forces. What did they say to you there if you showed up in the morning so late and so often?"

The old man looked down at the floor, then smiled. He chuckled quietly, then said, with a grin, "They usually saluted and said, 'Good morning, Admiral; may I get your coffee, Sir?'"