The tone and manner of Urrea angered him.

He forgot where he was and his danger.
Urrea's swarthy face flushed.

He carried in his hand a small riding whip, which he switched occasionally across the tops of his tall, military boots.
"Lout!" he cried.

"You hear me! Why do you not obey!" Ned stood impassive.

Certainly Urrea had had a bad half hour somewhere.
His temper leaped beyond control.
"Idiot!" he exclaimed.
Then he suddenly lashed Ned across the face with the little riding whip.
The blow fell on serape and sombrero and the flesh was not touched, but for a few moments Ned went mad.