Blind Instinct

A Pirate and a sergeant were charged with striking an officer.

The sergeant told how the colonel,  while inspecting the troops, had stepped on his sore foot.

“It was blind instinct,” said the sergeant. “I threw up my guard, like anyone would do, and let him have it before. I realized what was happening. It was an accident, and I’m sorry.”

Then the Pirate was requested to give his explanation. “Well, you see, sir,” he replied, “when I saw the sergeant strike the colonel, I thought the war was over.”