diff --git a/lisp/ehelp.el b/lisp/ehelp.el
index fec1dfca748..c03003205e4 100644
--- a/lisp/ehelp.el
+++ b/lisp/ehelp.el
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ BUFFER is put into `default-major-mode' (or `fundamental-mode') when we exit."
 (defun electric-help-command-loop ()
   (catch 'exit
     (if (pos-visible-in-window-p (point-max))
-	(progn (message (substitute-command-keys "<<< Press Space to bury the help buffer, Press \\[electric-help-retain] to retain it >>>"))
+	(progn (message "%s" (substitute-command-keys "<<< Press Space to bury the help buffer, Press \\[electric-help-retain] to retain it >>>"))
 	       (if (equal (setq unread-command-events (list (read-event)))
 			  '(?\ ))
 		   (progn (setq unread-command-events nil)