to smoke while walking {in the garden}. They agreed that 

each would ask his superior {for permission}.

     The first one returned to find the second one smoking

and complained indignantly: "I was refused!"

     "What did you ask?" inquired the second one.

     "I asked if I could smoke while meditating."

     "Oh," said the other, blowing his smoke reflectively, "I 

asked if I could meditate while smoking!"