I understand that using the COMPARE() function can get this job done as a couple people have suggested. What I *don't* understand is why using the character string value of "L" does NOT work. ::end: @keyT:'@keyt:: ::aa="aabcdefglabcdefgiiiL": ::b(2,.0)=instr(aa,chr("76")): ::show "@" <b: gives: 9 Why? John Esak