diff --git a/as/k-as.py b/as/k-as.py
index 017c89a..84c839b 100755
--- a/as/k-as.py
+++ b/as/k-as.py
@@ -292,7 +292,7 @@ def parse_preproc(line):
 
             for c in s:
                 # escape sequences
-                if c == '\\':
+                if not escaping and c == '\\':
                     escaping = True
                     continue
 
diff --git a/ka/usr/cmd/dir.k b/ka/usr/cmd/dir.k
index 922452b..5ca8c22 100644
--- a/ka/usr/cmd/dir.k
+++ b/ka/usr/cmd/dir.k
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ CMD.builtins.dir:
     mov ax0, .dirmsg
     call print
 
-.dirmsg = " Directory of C:\\\n\n"
+.dirmsg = "Directory of C:\\\n\n"
 
 .first:
     mov ax0, .buf
@@ -119,3 +119,4 @@ CMD.builtins.dir:
 .buf = [256]
 .endstr1 = "             %d file(s)\n"
 .endstr2 = "             0 dir(s)\n"
+