Well-Timed Reply

A wilful employee of a private firm always came late to work. One day his manage
r warned him that the next time he was late he d be sent home. Despite this the ma
n signed in well after 09.00. His boss called him to his office to fire him.
Didn t I warn you the next time you were late you d be sent home? he demanded.
Yes sir, you did the tardy worker contritely replied.
Well then you can leave. I always keep my word.
The man left. The next day he was back to work as late as usual.
Didn t I tell you that you could go home? his irate boss cried.
Yes, but you didn t say that I couldn t return , was the latecomer s calm reply.