I was trying to tell you

The late Smedley D. Butler, always an impulsive man, was generally careful of the welfare of his men. One time in France he encountered two soldiers emerging from the kitchen with a large soup kettle. "Let me taste that," he ordered.

"But Gen ..."

"No buts! Give me a spoon." Taking a taste, the General sputtered, "You don't call that soup, do you?"

"No, sir," replied the soldier, "I was trying to tell you, sir, it's dishwater!"