21.   The aircraft noise gives warning of an imminent assault, while the rockets pierce the air silently.

22.   The sound of keening women pierced the air.

23.   Then suddenly, a shrill and frightening scream pierces the air and the guests find a dead body.

24.   Cheers and clenched fists pierced the air outside Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday as fans of football idol O.J. Simpson exulted in his acquittal on double murder charges.

25.   Once the prayers were over, they fell silent as the tones of two religious ceremonial horns pierced the air.

26.   Smoke bellowed from the cannons of one ship, and then a sharp sound pierced the air followed by explosions and smoke rising from an area along the road.