86 INCIDENTS OF TRAVEL. 



CHAPTER V. 



Journey to the Rancho of Nohcacab. — A Fountain and Seybo 

 Tree. — Arrival at the Rancho. — Its Appearance. — ^A sick Trio. 

 — Effects of a good Breakfast. — Visit to the Ruins. — Terrace 

 and Buildings. — Three other Buildings. — Character of these 

 Ruins. — Disappointment. — Return to Xul. — Visit to another ru- 

 ined City. — Ruined Building. — An Arch, plastered and covered 

 w^ith Painted Figures. — Other Paintings. — Subterranean Well. 

 — Return to the Village. — Journey to Ticul. — Large Mounds. — 

 Passage of the Sierra. — Grand View. — Arrival at Ticul. — A Vil- 

 lage Festival. — Ball of the Mestizas. — Costumes. — Dance of 

 the Toros. — Lassoing Cattle. — Ball by Daylight. — The Fiscales. 

 — Ludicrous Scene. — A Dance. — Love in a Phrensy. — A unique 

 Breakfast. — Close of the Ball. 



Early the next morning we set out for the ran- 

 cho of Nohcacab, three leagues distant. The pro- 

 prietor had gone before dayhght, to receive us on 

 the ground. We had not gone far when Mr. C. 

 complained of a shght headache, and wishing to ride 

 moderately. Dr. Cabot and myself went on, leav- 

 ing him to follow with the luggage. The morning 

 air was fresh and invigorating, and the country roll- 

 ing, hilly, and picturesque. At the distance of two 

 leagues we reached what was called a hebe, or fount- 

 ain. It was a large rocky basin, about ninety feet 

 in circumference and ten feet deep, which served as 

 a receptacle for rain-water. In that dry country it 

 was a grateful spectacle, and beside it was a large 



