diff --git a/library/compiler/alien.factor b/library/compiler/alien.factor
index f9a71d9cac..14c5b96c0a 100644
--- a/library/compiler/alien.factor
+++ b/library/compiler/alien.factor
@@ -77,10 +77,10 @@ SYMBOL: alien-parameters
 
 : infer-alien ( -- )
     4 ensure-d
-    dataflow-drop, pop-d car
-    dataflow-drop, pop-d car
-    dataflow-drop, pop-d car alien-function >r
-    dataflow-drop, pop-d car swap
+    dataflow-drop, pop-d literal
+    dataflow-drop, pop-d literal
+    dataflow-drop, pop-d literal alien-function >r
+    dataflow-drop, pop-d literal swap
     r> dataflow, [
         alien-returns set
         alien-parameters set