diff --git a/src/smooth/ftgrays.c b/src/smooth/ftgrays.c
index 40de269..53a3a44 100644
--- a/src/smooth/ftgrays.c
+++ b/src/smooth/ftgrays.c
@@ -973,6 +971,7 @@ typedef ptrdiff_t  FT_PtrDist;
                               const FT_Vector*  to )
   {
     FT_Vector*  arc;
+    TPos        min, max, y;
 
 
     arc      = ras.bez_stack;
@@ -985,35 +984,32 @@ typedef ptrdiff_t  FT_PtrDist;
     arc[3].x = ras.x;
     arc[3].y = ras.y;
 
-    for (;;)
-    {
-      /* Check that the arc crosses the current band. */
-      TPos  min, max, y;
-
+    /* Short-cut the arc that crosses the current band. */
+    min = max = arc[0].y;
 
-      min = max = arc[0].y;
+    y = arc[1].y;
+    if ( y < min )
+      min = y;
+    if ( y > max )
+      max = y;
 
-      y = arc[1].y;
-      if ( y < min )
-        min = y;
-      if ( y > max )
-        max = y;
+    y = arc[2].y;
+    if ( y < min )
+      min = y;
+    if ( y > max )
+      max = y;
 
-      y = arc[2].y;
-      if ( y < min )
-        min = y;
-      if ( y > max )
-        max = y;
+    y = arc[3].y;
+    if ( y < min )
+      min = y;
+    if ( y > max )
+      max = y;
 
-      y = arc[3].y;
-      if ( y < min )
-        min = y;
-      if ( y > max )
-        max = y;
-
-      if ( TRUNC( min ) >= ras.max_ey || TRUNC( max ) < ras.min_ey )
-        goto Draw;
+    if ( TRUNC( min ) >= ras.max_ey || TRUNC( max ) < ras.min_ey )
+      goto Draw;
 
+    for (;;)
+    {
       /* Decide whether to split or draw. See `Rapid Termination          */
       /* Evaluation for Recursive Subdivision of Bezier Curves' by Thomas */
       /* F. Hain, at                                                      */