diff --git a/src/testdir/test_channel.py b/src/testdir/test_channel.py
index f0474a48bd..c602b2a7bc 100644
--- a/src/testdir/test_channel.py
+++ b/src/testdir/test_channel.py
@@ -65,6 +65,7 @@ class ThreadedTCPRequestHandler(socketserver.BaseRequestHandler):
                     elif decoded[1].startswith("echo "):
                         # send back the argument
                         response = decoded[1][5:]
+                        time.sleep(0.01)
                     elif decoded[1] == 'make change':
                         # Send two ex commands at the same time, before
                         # replying to the request.