Concatenate text + numeric

I need to combine an alpha field with a numeric field to create a single
alpha-numeric field (makes sense) like thus:

    Alpha = "XX"
   Number = 01234

When I use the statement

      EVAL   AlphaNum = Alpha + %char(Number)

I end up with AlphaNum = "XX 1234".  I've tried

      EVAL   AlphaNum = Alpha + %editw(Number: '0    ')
and
      EVAL   AlphaNum = Alpha + %editc(Number: '3')

with similar results.  What's the secret to getting it to work?

Eventually I ended up coding

      MOVEL  Alpha      AlphaNum
      MOVE   Number     AlphaNum

but that kinda defeats moving forward.

I can't use free form 'cuz we have clients on V4R3 still.

TIA,
Dave