VMS Help RETURN  *Conan The Librarian (sorry for the slow response - running on an old VAX)

    Terminates a GOSUB subroutine procedure and returns control to
    the command following the calling GOSUB command.

    Format

      RETURN  [status-code]

1 - Parameter

 status-code

    Defines a longword (integer) value or expression equivalent to
    an integer value that gives the exit status of the subroutine by
    defining a numeric value for the reserved global symbol $STATUS.
    The value can be tested by the next outer command level. The low-
    order 3 bits of the longword integer value change the value of
    the reserved global symbol $SEVERITY. If you specify a status
    code, DCL interprets the code as a condition code. Note that
    even numeric values produce warning, error, and fatal error
    messages, and that odd numeric values produce either no message
    or a success or informational message.

    If you do not specify a status code, the current value of $STATUS
    is saved. When control returns to the outer command level,
    $STATUS contains the status of the most recently executed command
    or program.

2 - Example

  $ SHOW TIME
    15-DEC-2001 14:25:42
  $ GOSUB SYMBOL
  $ EXIT
  $ SYMBOL:
  $     SHOW SYMBOL RED
        RED = "SET DEFAULT [LOWE.DCL]"
  $     RETURN 1

      The GOSUB command transfers control to the subroutine labeled
      SYMBOL. After the subroutine is executed, the RETURN command
      transfers control back to the command following the calling
      GOSUB statement, giving $STATUS and $SEVERITY a value of 1. The
      procedure then exits.