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.