“Only ghosts hate new things.”
The narrator reminds Raven that her people like old things because they worship old objects and their imitations. Raven had earlier indicated that the narrator's people are fond of worshipping animals and birds such as turtles, ravens, and eagles. The narrator thinks that her people are not as bad as those of Raven's because they are like ghosts who do not like new things. In some sense, this quote is more of a simile because the narrator compares Raven's people to spirits who do not like appreciating good things in life.
“What are the people down in the quarters saying about those kinks who took off with themselves?”
This statement is said by Arthur Swille, inquiring from Robin on what the people are saying about "the kinks." Robin asks his master not to worry about the slave village because everything is under control, and there is nothing to worry about. Arthur is known for his tendency to mistreat the slaves and making unreasonable demands. Since Robin is aware of the traits of his master, he assures him that nothing is wrong to ensure that no slave is subjected to his attributes.
"Exactly, Robin, that disease-causing Negroes to run away. Of course, I'm not a sentimentalist. I won't sleep until they have returned. I mean, I am the last man to go against science, and if a slave is sick, then he must be rejuvenated – but can't just permit anyone to run over me like that."
Robin has just notified his boss that Leechfiled is one of the slaves in the slave village who has run away. According to Arthur, all slaves are the agents of disease. This statement helps the reader comprehend the extent of racial discrimination deeply rooted in the early centuries. The dark-skinned people are slaves, and they bring diseases because they are a bad omen.
