Some believed, as at first, in his supernatural origin, and credited all that he told them; while others were of opinion that he was a man, like themselves, only of different color, and that these tales were simply inventions, designed to add to his importance.
The fact that month after month passed without his exhibiting any supernatural powers, or reproducing, in any way, the wonders of which he told them, added gradually to the strength of the party hostile to him.

Why should this god, if he were a god, have come to dwell at Tabasco only to learn the language, and behave as an ordinary man?
He had been kindly received--why did he not bestow benefits in return?
Were the fields more fruitful?
Had any extraordinary prosperity fallen upon the people since his arrival among them?
Had he taught them any of the arts of those people of whom he spoke?
The gods always bestowed benefits upon those among whom they dwelt.

He did not ever pay reverence to their gods, nor had he entered a temple to worship or sacrifice.

How then could he be a god?
Gradually this opinion gained strength, and Roger perceived that his popularity was decreasing.

No longer were daily presents sent in by the inhabitants of Tabasco.