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 . . .

THE SHADOW LINE by Joseph Conrad

Only the young have such moments.  I don't mean the very young.  No.  They very young have, properly speaking, no moments.  It is the privilege of early youth to live in advance of its days in all the beautiful continuity of hope which knows no pauses and no introspection.
     One closes behind one the little gate of mere boyishness—and enters an enchanted garden.  Its very shades glow with promise.  Suddenly, a shot rings out.