diff --git a/tools/python/xen/xend/image.py b/tools/python/xen/xend/image.py
index dd5e83fd8e..4690c93aa3 100644
--- a/tools/python/xen/xend/image.py
+++ b/tools/python/xen/xend/image.py
@@ -502,7 +502,7 @@ class ImageHandler:
         if fifo_fd >= 0:
             self._openSentinel(sentinel_path_fifo)
             os.close(fifo_fd)
-            self.pid = self.vm._gatherDom(('image/device-model-pid', int))
+            self.pid = self.vm.gatherDom(('image/device-model-pid', int))
             log.debug("%s device model rediscovered, pid %s sentinel fifo %s",
                     name, self.pid, sentinel_path_fifo)
             self.sentinel_thread = thread.start_new_thread(self._sentinel_watch,())