The reader will perceive that we have here two distinct, independent witnesses testifying that, one hundred and forty years after the foundation of Merida, the buildings of Uxmal were regarded with reverence by the Indians; that they formed the nucleus of a dispersed and scattered population, and were resorted to for the observance of religious rites at a distance from the eyes of the Spaniards. Cogolludo saw in the House of the Dwarf the "marks of copal recently burned," "the evidence of some idolatry recently committed;" and the private title papers of Don Simon, never intended to illustrate any point in history, besides showing incidentally that it was the policy of the government, and "doing God service," to break up the Indian customs, and drive the natives away from their consecrated buildings, are proofs, which would be good evidence in a court of law, that the Indians were, at the time referred to, openly and notoriously worshipping El Demonio, and performing other detestable sacrifices in these ancient buildings. Can it be supposed that edifices in which they were thus worshipping, and to which they were clinging with such tenacity as to require to be driven away, were the buildings of another race, or did they cling to them because they were adapted to the forms and ceremonies received from their fathers, and because they were the same in which their fathers had worshipped? In my mind there is but little question as to the fair interpretation to be put upon these acts, and I may add that, according to the deed of the notary, but one hundred and fifty-four years ago the ruined buildings of Uxmal had "doors" which could be "opened" and "shut." CHAPTER XV. Attacks from Fever and Ague.--Final Departure from Uxmal.--Newyear's Day.--Fate of Chaipa Chi.--Painful Journey.--Chetulish.--Arrival at Nohcacab.--Concourse of Indians.--A Casa Real.--Plaza.--Improvements.--The Church.--A Noria, or Well.--Municipal Elections.--The Democratic Principle.--Installation of Alcaldes.--Illness of the Cura of Ticul.--Set out for Ticul.--Intoxicated Carriers.--Accident.--Arrival at Ticul.--A wandering Physician.--Changed Appearance of the Cura.--Return to Nohcacab.--Take up Quarters in the Convent.--Ancient Town of Nohcacab.--Ruined Mounds.--Ruins of Xcoch.--A Mysterious Well.--Fine Grove.--Circular Cavity.--Mouth of the Well.--Exploration of its Passages.--Uses of the Well.--Return to the Village.--Fatal Accident.--A House of Mourning.--Ceremony of El Velorio.