This time he was so close to Singleton that the powder burned his face.

And before Singleton could shoot again Lawler struck--with the precision and force that he had put into his blows that day in the schoolhouse.
Singleton reeled headlong across the room, bringing up against the farther wall, striking it with his head and tumbling to the floor beside it.
Then, his lips set stiffly, his eyes flaming with a fire that brought terror into Warden's heart, he faced the other.
"Now, damn you; I'll teach you to make war on women!" He leaped forward, striking at Warden with terrific energy.
* * * * * Still struggling in Shorty's arms, Ruth heard Singleton's shots.

She broke away from Shorty, noting with dull astonishment that Shorty seemed almost to have permitted it, and ran down the street toward Warden's office.

As she ran she heard a tumult behind her, and steps close beside her.

She glanced swiftly over her shoulder, to see Shorty beside her.
The giant was taking steps that dwarfed hers, and while she looked at him he drew past her.