I went into the office one day, and standing
uncovered at about the middle of the room, in
the position of the soldier, saluted and thus
addressed a cadet officer present:

"Candidate Flipper, United States Military Academy,
reports his entrance into this office, sir."

"Well, what do you want?" was the rather gruff
reply.

"I desire permission to visit Smith, sir," answered
I, thoughtlessly saying "Smith," instead of "Mr" or
"Cadet Smith."

He instantly sprang from his seat into rather close
proximity to my person and angrily yelled:

"Well, sir, I want to hear you say 'Mr. Smith.' I
want you to understand, sir, he is a cadet and
you're a 'plebe,' and I don't want to see such
familiarity on your part again, sir," putting
particular emphasis on "Mr."

Having thus delivered himself he resumed his seat,
leaving me, I imagine, more scared than otherwise.

"What do you want?" asked he again, after a pause
of a moment or so.