Panton learned, too, the Spanish intend to resettle Pensacola and the entire region.
He said British residents and subject would likely be given a year or so to make arrangements for their departure.
“Does that mean you will be leaving this place?” Timpoochee asked.
“Oh no” Panton answered. “I don’t think so. “I think I know a way to provide for my invitation to stay. You see, the Spanish want the country settled but they don’t want any Protestants. Everyone who stays will have to become a Catholic.
“I don’t understand what you are saying,” Timpoochee interposed.
“It has to do with the white man’s religion,” Panton answered. “But I think these governments’ leaders’ true religion has more to do with their government’s currency than their government’s religion.
“I think they will let me stay and continue to conduct business when they see I am, indeed, a believer in their true religion.”
“That is what’s so confusing about the Yonega,” Timpoochee insisted. “Too often Yonega may say one thing but do or mean the other. It is difficult to know that truth.”
“Sam Story, my friend” Panton said, putting his hands into the pockets of his shiny vest. “The more you learn about the white man the more you will understand his religion is often only a guise for some other purpose, usually connected to the Pound Sterling or, in our new rulers’ case the gold coin.”