diff --git a/util/ceg/assemble/obj_assemble/assemble.c b/util/ceg/assemble/obj_assemble/assemble.c
index 5f55d3b4..3b54b79e 100644
--- a/util/ceg/assemble/obj_assemble/assemble.c
+++ b/util/ceg/assemble/obj_assemble/assemble.c
@@ -207,8 +207,10 @@ char *mnem;
 
 		if ( rel == 0 )
 			break;
-		else if ( high == low)
+		else if ( high == low) {
 			error( "can't find %s", mnem);
+			return;
+		}
 		else if ( rel < 0)
 			high = mid;
 		else