diff --git a/src/shk.c b/src/shk.c
index d16529703..3175eb60e 100644
--- a/src/shk.c
+++ b/src/shk.c
@@ -3525,13 +3525,16 @@ shk_impaired(struct monst *shkp)
 static boolean
 repairable_damage(struct damage *dam, struct monst *shkp)
 {
-    xchar x = dam->place.x, y = dam->place.y;
+    xchar x, y;
     struct trap* ttmp;
     struct monst *mtmp;
 
     if (!dam || shk_impaired(shkp))
         return FALSE;
 
+    x = dam->place.x;
+    y = dam->place.y;
+
     /* too soon to fix it? */
     if ((g.moves - dam->when) < REPAIR_DELAY)
         return FALSE;