The Life of Olaudah Equiano

After the examination, the slaves were sent to the merchant's yard, where they were crammed together regardless of age or sex. Equiano was in awe of his surroundings, noting that the houses were two stories and made of bricks. He marveled at the men on horseback. When it came time for the slave auction, Equiano was disturbed by the loudness and frenzy of the buyers, and by the callous way in which friends and relatives were sundered from each other forever.