A non-commissioned officer, entering a barrack gate in Dublin, was mistaken by a young soldier on sentry-go, who immediately "came to the shoulder".* The NCO, unaware that his colonel was just behind him, returned the salute -- a thing not permissible under the circumstances.
Arrived at his quarters, he was surprised to find an order for him to attend before the colonel. On presenting himself, he was asked how he came to return the salute, knowing full well he was not entitled to it. Not in the least embarrassed, he promptly answered, "Sir, I always return everything I am not entitled to!" The colonel, surprised by the NCO's ready wit, laughingly dismissed him.
都柏林一名軍士走進軍營，營門負責放哨的年輕士兵誤認他的軍階，馬上向他掮槍致敬。那軍士不知道他的上校就在背後，舉手回禮──這其實是不容許的。
他回到宿舍，發覺有命令要他去見上校，心中納罕。上校見到他，問他說，明知不應獲敬禮，為什麼還要回禮。那軍士不慌不忙，應聲回答說：「上校，凡是不應該獲得的東西，我都會奉還。」上校見他反應敏捷，頗感驚訝，笑着把他遣去。
*Sentry-go和come to the shoulder都是軍隊用語，一指放哨的職責，一指把槍擱在肩膀上。「執行放哨工作」可說to be on sentry-go或to do sentry-go。