diff --git a/mercurial/sshpeer.py b/mercurial/sshpeer.py
--- a/mercurial/sshpeer.py
+++ b/mercurial/sshpeer.py
@@ -91,7 +91,15 @@ class doublepipe(object):
         return self._call('write', data)
 
     def read(self, size):
-        return self._call('read', size)
+        r = self._call('read', size)
+        if size != 0 and not r:
+            # We've observed a condition that indicates the
+            # stdout closed unexpectedly. Check stderr one
+            # more time and snag anything that's there before
+            # letting anyone know the main part of the pipe
+            # closed prematurely.
+            _forwardoutput(self._ui, self._side)
+        return r
 
     def readline(self):
         return self._call('readline')