
Is it true, as
Momus
suggests, that there are "few tales which would not be improved by the
addition of the phrase 'suddenly, a shot rang out'"? Decide for
yourself as we alter the opening lines of . . .
TALBOT AND VERNON by John Ludlum McConnel
A very large number of those who engage in mercantile pursuits fail before their employment is ten years old. Suddenly, a shot rings out.