diff --git a/src/message.c b/src/message.c
index 8adc224..012811f 100644
--- a/src/message.c
+++ b/src/message.c
@@ -248,6 +248,13 @@
     int		i;
     int		n;
 
+    if (*s == NUL)
+    {
+	if (buflen > 0)
+	    *buf = NUL;
+	return;
+    }
+
     if (room_in < 3)
 	room = 0;
     half = room / 2;