diff --git a/projects/samskivert/src/java/com/samskivert/util/SortableArrayList.java b/projects/samskivert/src/java/com/samskivert/util/SortableArrayList.java
index d5636a25..f9eab756 100644
--- a/projects/samskivert/src/java/com/samskivert/util/SortableArrayList.java
+++ b/projects/samskivert/src/java/com/samskivert/util/SortableArrayList.java
@@ -156,7 +156,11 @@ public class SortableArrayList extends AbstractList
     // documentation inherited from interface
     public boolean contains (Object o)
     {
-        return ListUtil.contains(_elements, o);
+        // we can't use ListUtil.contains() because our _elements
+        // array is larger than _size and we want to do the right thing
+        // if null is passed in.
+        int dex = ListUtil.indexOf(_elements, o);
+        return (dex >= 0 && dex < _size);
     }
 
     // documentation inherited from interface