diff --git a/xwords4/linux/scripts/test_backsend.sh b/xwords4/linux/scripts/test_backsend.sh
index 756f4be15..f9f20be35 100755
--- a/xwords4/linux/scripts/test_backsend.sh
+++ b/xwords4/linux/scripts/test_backsend.sh
@@ -44,8 +44,7 @@ while :; do
             ../relay/rq -f $RELAYID -b $NBS
 
             sleep 2
-            kill $PID1 || true
-            wait $PID1
+            kill $PID1 && wait $PID1 || true
         else
             echo "$MSG_COUNT messages for $RELAYID"
         fi