diff --git a/typeclasses/exits.py b/typeclasses/exits.py
index 368425f..466c97a 100644
--- a/typeclasses/exits.py
+++ b/typeclasses/exits.py
@@ -14,7 +14,6 @@ from evennia.utils import utils
 
 from .objects import ObjectParent
 from utils.word_list import choices
-from commands.misc import CmdSetKnock
 
 MOVE_DELAY = {"stroll": 6, "walk": 4, "run": 2, "sprint": 1}
 
diff --git a/typeclasses/things.py b/typeclasses/things.py
index 9e5ee39..0d2dddc 100755
--- a/typeclasses/things.py
+++ b/typeclasses/things.py
@@ -431,6 +431,9 @@ class Knocker(Object):
         curr_state = Knocker_Convo(talker.db.knocker_conversation_state or 0)
         # message will be on the form `<Person> says, "say_text"`
         # we want to get only say_text without the quotes and any spaces
+        if message.count('"') == 0:
+            return
+
         message = message.split('"')[1].strip()
 
         # Let's see if a keyword gives a good response: