He reached out to take it . . . and Nimitz suddenly catapulted from his stool with a snarl like tearing canvas.

Ever since Stalin suddenly catapulted him into the world of diplomacy in 1943 by naming the 34-year-old unknown as the Soviet Union's Ambassador to Washington, Mr. Gromyko had been at the top echelon of world diplomacy.

'I'm listening,' he said, suddenly solemn, suddenly catapulted from the pleasant haze of the afternoon into what felt horribly like inescapable reality.

Some families found themselves suddenly catapulted into the upper classes to form a new American aristocracy.

Her mirror, which only days before had reflected a vital, desirable creature still glowing with the fires that had captivated three kings in turn, now revealed a woman suddenly catapulted into old age.

As he came closer it suddenly catapulted forwards and shot round the curving road towards the main gate.

"By next Monday if you can," said Rudolf, suddenly catapulting out of his chair.

But then he saw Talamon's face turning white and he knew that all of them had been catapulted suddenly into the midst of events that no one had foreseen.

A public disagreement on tax policy and questions about their own tax bills suddenly catapulted the couple into the campaign spotlight this week, feeding the intrigue surrounding a relationship that is very much of the 21st century but as yet untested in world politics.