diff --git a/src/core/org/luaj/vm/LTable.java b/src/core/org/luaj/vm/LTable.java
index 40a4a23a..f2545ac3 100644
--- a/src/core/org/luaj/vm/LTable.java
+++ b/src/core/org/luaj/vm/LTable.java
@@ -146,6 +146,14 @@ public class LTable extends LValue {
 		put( new LString( key ), value );
 	}
 	
+	/**
+	 * Utility method for putting a string key, int value directly, typically for
+	 * initializing a table. Bypasses the metatable, if any.
+	 */
+	public void put( String key, int value ) {
+		put( new LString( key ), LInteger.valueOf(value) );
+	}
+		
 	/**
 	 * Method for putting an integer-keyed value. Bypasses the metatable, if
 	 * any.