That there dog, said Macquarie to the hospital staff in general, "is a better dog than I'm a man--or you too, it seems--and a better Christian. He's been a better mate to me than I ever was to any man--or any man to me. He's watched over me; kep' me from getting robbed many a time; fought for me; saved my life and took drunken kicks and curses for thanks--and forgave me. He's been a true, straight, honest, and faithful mate to me--and I ain't going to desert him now. I ain't going to kick him out in the road with a broken leg. I--Oh, my God! my back!"