diff --git a/bin/sheep.py b/bin/sheep.py
index 0132e5e..a0ff354 100644
--- a/bin/sheep.py
+++ b/bin/sheep.py
@@ -76,6 +76,7 @@ if __name__ == '__main__':
       print "%s: got message from master: %s" % (myname, action)
 
     if action in ('teardown', 'slay'):
+      masterq.get()
       break
 
     while not tasksq.empty():