diff --git a/cde/programs/dtdocbook/instant/main.c b/cde/programs/dtdocbook/instant/main.c
index 2de16a88c..2a917639c 100644
--- a/cde/programs/dtdocbook/instant/main.c
+++ b/cde/programs/dtdocbook/instant/main.c
@@ -455,7 +455,10 @@ static int CompareI18NStrings(ClientData clientData,
 	    }
 	    cp++;
 	} else {
+	  if (len > 0)
 	    cp += len;
+	  else
+	    break; /* JET - we should be done here... */
 	}
     }
     cp = argv[2];
@@ -466,7 +469,10 @@ static int CompareI18NStrings(ClientData clientData,
 	    }
 	    cp++;
 	} else {
+	  if (len > 0)
 	    cp += len;
+	  else
+	    break; /* JET - we should be done here... */
 	}
     }