He was for some time in a state of insensibility, and I, having the charge of his establishment, had thus an opportunity of observing the workings of slavery.

When a master is ill, the slaves run riot among the eatables.

I did not know this until I observed that every time the sugar-basin came to the table it was empty.

On visiting my patient by night, I passed along a corridor, and unexpectedly came upon the washerwoman eating pine-apples and sugar.

All the sweetmeats were devoured, and it was difficult for me to get even bread and butter until I took the precaution of locking the pantry door.
Probably the slaves thought that, as both they and the luxuries were the master's property, there was no good reason why they should be kept apart.
Debarred by my precaution from these sources of enjoyment, they took to killing the fowls and goats, and, when the animal was dead, brought it to me, saying, "We found this thing lying out there." They then enjoyed a feast of flesh.