diff --git a/src/java/com/threerings/presents/client/BlockingCommunicator.java b/src/java/com/threerings/presents/client/BlockingCommunicator.java
index 0a05b4de3..68a01f364 100644
--- a/src/java/com/threerings/presents/client/BlockingCommunicator.java
+++ b/src/java/com/threerings/presents/client/BlockingCommunicator.java
@@ -391,6 +391,10 @@ public class BlockingCommunicator extends Communicator
      */
     protected class Reader extends LoopingThread
     {
+        public Reader ()
+        {
+        }
+        
         protected void willStart ()
         {
             // first we connect and authenticate with the server