The Talking Fish — Norman Hinsdale Pitman

"What do they care for a man when he is sick?" he muttered. "My good friend Sing is doubtless even now enjoying his afternoon nap, with a servant standing by to fan him, and a block of ice near his head to cool the air. What does he care if I die of a raging fever? Doubtless he expects to inherit all my money. And my servants That rascal Wang has been with me these ten years, living on me and growing lazier every season