diff --git a/uisimulator/x11/button-x11.c b/uisimulator/x11/button-x11.c
index 1d27eff134..734272c6c4 100644
--- a/uisimulator/x11/button-x11.c
+++ b/uisimulator/x11/button-x11.c
@@ -134,6 +134,25 @@ static int get_raw_button (void)
     }
 }
 
+/*
+ * Timeout after TICKS unless a key is pressed.
+ */
+int button_get_w_tmo(int ticks)
+{
+    int bits;
+    int i=0;
+
+    for(i=0; i< ticks; i++) {
+        bits = get_raw_button();
+        if(!bits)
+            x11_sleep(1);
+        else
+            break;
+    };
+
+    return bits;
+}
+
 /*
  * Get the currently pressed button.
  * Returns one of BUTTON_xxx codes, with possibly a modifier bit set.