1995 Ford Escort car won't start

I was driving my car when all of a sudden it sounded as if paper was waving in the wind under the hood? That was strange for my car wasn't running hot. The paper sounded as if walmart bags were caught somewhere underneath blowing in the wind. I drove two blocks before it died. It started right up and I was able to drive two more blocks before dying once more. The car turned over smoothly and I drove two more blocks where it died again. When I tried it once more it wouldnt start. The battery light and every thing came on as usual but it didn't start again. I called a mechanic who used ether to get it started to go home. The ether didn't work and I ended being towed home that was only three blocks away. I've owned the car since 11/2004 with mileage of 121,000.00; and the only major work done is a water pump in 2005. I have the oil changed and maintenance regularly. Help! Please!