ted 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. No longer did they prostrate
themselves, when he walked in the streets. His stories were
received with open expressions of doubt and derision, and he saw
that, ere long, some great change would take place in his
condition.

One morning, to his surprise, the chief with six men entered his
chamber, and ordered him to come out and accompany them, instantly.
Much surprised at the order, Roger at once went out.

"You must go away for a time," the cazique said; "but you shall
return, before long."

His guard conducted him eight or ten miles into the interior, and
established him in a hut, situated at a distance from any other
dwelling. Three of them, by turns, kept watch night and day over
him, refusing to answer any questions as to the cause of this
singular conduct. Beyond being kept a prisoner he had nothing to
complain of, being well fed and treated with all courtesy.

A fortnight later he was taken back to Tabasco, as suddenly as he
had left it. When he arrived there, he learned the reason of his
being carried inland. A great floating castle, filled with white
men, had arrived at the mouth of the river; and had opened a trade
with the natives, exchanging glass beads, looking glasses, and
trinkets, for gold ornaments and articles of Mexican workmanship.
Their leader, he heard, was