diff --git a/Makefile.in b/Makefile.in
index 423956b40c..ef444ede4e 100644
--- a/Makefile.in
+++ b/Makefile.in
@@ -357,7 +357,7 @@ fsprobe: cmd comerr util fsint volser
 	+${COMPILE_PART1} fsprobe ${COMPILE_PART2}
 
 scout: cmd comerr gtx fsprobe
-	if test "@LIB_curses@"; then \
+	+if test "@LIB_curses@"; then \
 		${COMPILE_PART1} scout ${COMPILE_PART2} ; \
 	else \
 		echo Not building scout, because no curses-headers found. ; \