There was a sputter and scurry in the alley behind.

There was a sputter and hiss as father lit a stick of pine tar.

There was a sputter and a series of jerks.

There was a sputter, and a flare so bright it hurt, making Richard squint and stagger.

There was a sputter and sizzle and Leff muttered profanely before he took up the dropped thread:

Her answer was a sputter of words.

There was a sputtering weakness about it now, and as he watched the light grew fainter and fainter.

There was a sputter and flash.

There was a sputter and a cloud of steam, Greaser lazily swore in Mexican; he got up to move the stew-pot and dropped the lasso.