diff --git a/ebtree/ebmbtree.h b/ebtree/ebmbtree.h
index 1df3fcf..336b6c1 100644
--- a/ebtree/ebmbtree.h
+++ b/ebtree/ebmbtree.h
@@ -527,7 +527,7 @@
 			 * bits, let's compare prefixes and descend the cover
 			 * subtree if they match.
 			 */
-			if (node->node.bit >> 1 == pfx)
+			if ((unsigned short)node->node.bit >> 1 == pfx)
 				troot = node->node.branches.b[EB_LEFT];
 			else
 				troot = node->node.branches.b[EB_RGHT];