ul reading of his own account of the affair leaves
us under the impression that the "instincts of the archaeologist" had as
much to do with it as any thing else.<62>

Illustration of Chaac-mol.-----------------

Be that as it may, he certainly did find this statue buried in the
ground. He is very positive it is Chaac-mol, claiming to have read the
name readily in hieroglyphics on the ear-tablets. He says: "It is not an
idol, but a true portrait of a man who has lived an earthly life. I have
seen him represented in battle, in council, and in court receptions.
I am well acquainted with his life, and the manner of his death." This
statue was seized by the Mexican Government, and taken to Mexico. Here
a curious discovery was made. Another statue similar to this was already
in the museum. This latter had been found not far from Mexico. Since
then, still a third, smaller than the others, but evidently representing
the same personage, has been discovered. In short, it has been shown
that this is an idol, worshiped as well by the Aztecs as by the Mayas,
and, instead of being buried, as Le Plongon asserts, five thousand years
ago, we have not much doubt it was buried to prevent its falling in to
the hands of the Spaniards.<63>

Illustration of Bearded Itza.-------------

As to the antiquity with which Le Plongon would clothe Chichen, if his
method be right, he has not more than made a beginning. Mr. Stephens
counted three hundred and eighty of these same columns, and tells us
there were many more.<64> We know no good reason for supposing Chichen
was not inhabited at the time of the conquest. The wooden beams and
lintels in the temples have not yet decayed, and the masonry had not
been cleaned out of some of the rooms. On this point we wish to make a
suggestion, a mere hint. The pillars that supported the arches in the
temple mentioned some pages back were covered with sculpture. Amongst
some others, but very faintly represented, was the preceding figure of a
bearded man. May it not be that it represents a Spaniard? We must recall
the stucco figure of the horse and its rider at Kabah. It seems to us
a reasonable suggestion that they should carve on the pillars of
their temples representations of the Spaniards, for the Spaniards were
twenty-five years in gaining a permanent foothold in Yucatan, and during
that time the Indians would continue to build and ornament as before.

Illustration of Arizona Ruin.------------