diff --git a/lib/buffer.js b/lib/buffer.js
index f37bdcc60e..5f67ea104b 100644
--- a/lib/buffer.js
+++ b/lib/buffer.js
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ function alignPool() {
 }
 
 
-function Buffer(arg) {
+function Buffer(arg, encoding) {
   // Common case.
   if (typeof arg === 'number') {
     // If less than zero, or NaN.
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ function Buffer(arg) {
 
   // Slightly less common case.
   if (typeof arg === 'string') {
-    return fromString(arg, arguments[1]);
+    return fromString(arg, encoding);
   }
 
   // Unusual.