diff --git a/harbour/source/vm/hvm.c b/harbour/source/vm/hvm.c
index 3c9e36946f..33bef699fc 100644
--- a/harbour/source/vm/hvm.c
+++ b/harbour/source/vm/hvm.c
@@ -594,7 +594,9 @@ void HB_EXPORT hb_vmExecute( const BYTE * pCode, PHB_SYMB pSymbols )
             break;
 
          case HB_P_FUNCTIONSHORT:
-            hb_itemClear( &hb_stack.Return );
+            if( ( &hb_stack.Return )->type )
+               hb_itemClear( &hb_stack.Return );
+
             hb_vmDo( pCode[ w + 1 ] );
             hb_itemCopy( hb_stackTopItem(), &hb_stack.Return );
             hb_stackPush();