<long explanation of Cobol's string capabilities :-( snipped>

Thanks Glenn. You've provided a great reminder of why I'm still impressed
with PowerHouse.

define d-last-four char*4 &
  = my-string of my-file &
 if 4 ge size(tru(my-string of my-file)) &
els my-string of my-file &
    [size(tru(my-string of my-file))-3:4]

Now I'd better set my 3000-l options to nomail before the flood of abuse
from Cobol supporters starts :-)

Regards,
JWP