diff --git a/Shorewall/compiler b/Shorewall/compiler
index b5f8f3dec..404fe5e72 100755
--- a/Shorewall/compiler
+++ b/Shorewall/compiler
@@ -8159,7 +8159,7 @@ fatal_error()
 #
 # Issue a message and stop
 #
-startup_error() # $* = Error Message
+startup_error() # \$* = Error Message
 {
     echo "   ERROR: \$@" >&2
     kill \$\$