Zapped

Before they could stop him, Reb stooped and started to enter the dark door. Then with a cry he fell backward, as if struck by lightning.

“Reb! What is it?” Josh cried, as they gathered around him.

The Southerner was trembling, and his hat had fallen to the ground, revealing his pale, sun-bleached hair.

“I’m OK, but don’t nobody go through that door. It’s electric. Like to of knocked my head off.”

Cautiously, Josh reached his hand into the opening and drew it back with a yelp.

“It’s wired,” he confirmed.