CHAPTER XXII.

Discovery of a Building.--Two others.--Description of the first Building.--Ornaments in Stucco.--Columns.--Corridor.--Paintings.-- Central Chamber.--Altar.--Upper Story.--Stone Tablets.--Another Building.--Mutilated Figure.--Apartments.--Altar.--A third Building.--This City seen by the early Spanish Voyagers.--Continued to be occupied after the Conquest.--Adoratorios.--Accounts of ruined Cities in the Interior.--Return Voyage.--Sea-sickness.--Nesuc.-- Kancune.--Ruined Buildings.--Island of Mugeres.--Sea-birds.--Appearance of the Island.--A hideous Funeral Pile.--Ibises.--Lafitte.--Piratical Associations.--Confession of a Pirate.--Visit to the Ruins.--A lonely Edifice.--Grand Scene.--Corridors.--Inscriptions.--Square Building.--Account of Bernal Dias.--Departure from the Island.-- Catoche.--Yalahao.--Ancient Mound.--El Cuyo.--An old Acquaintance in Misfortune.