diff --git a/path.s b/path.s
index d13f0b0..5140adb 100644
--- a/path.s
+++ b/path.s
@@ -171,16 +171,15 @@ nxtchr: jsr     ToUpperASCII
         lda     #>execute
         sta     XTRNADDR+1
 
-        ;; Mark command as external (zero).
-        lda     #0
-        sta     XCNUM
-
         ;; Set accepted parameter flags (optional name)
         lda     #PBitsFlags::FNOPT | PBitsFlags::FN1
         sta     PBITS
         lda     #0
         sta     PBITS+1
 
+        ;; Mark command as external (zero).
+        sta     XCNUM           ; A=0 from above
+
         clc                     ; Success (so far)
         rts                     ; Return to BASIC.SYSTEM