esc key clears html input text values

Hi,
I have created 2 html input text boxes with readonly property set to 'readonly'. I am handling the esc key event(27) in javascript code. When I press the esc key for the first time it will not harm any thing. But if i press the esc key 2nd time it will clear both the input text box values. Please let me know is this the correct behavior? What should I do to retain the text values?

Thanks,
Nags

re: esc key clears html input text values

and how do you do that?

re: esc key clears html input text values

I have attached the hadnler using AddHandler api for keydown of the text box whose text is getting cleared. I am using IE6.