with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

£27
food, I desired her to endeavour to find out some
of his relations or friends, and to apprize them of
his unhappy situation, and in the meantime to be very
careful of him.
*^ On the 10th of September, about nine o'clock
in the evening, on my return to my chambers, my ser-
vant told me that Mr. Ritson had been making a
great noise, and that there was a great light in his
room, which had alarmed the people in the Steward's
office. I went immediately to the Steward's office^
and looking from his window, 1 saw Mr. Ritson's
room strewed with books and loose papers, some of
which he was gathering up and throwing on the fire,
which occasioned the great blaze they had seen. He
had a lighted candle in his hand, which he carried
about in a very dangerous manner. The Steward
not being at home, I sent for him to represent to him
Mr. Ritson's extraordinary conduct. However, being
much alarmed, I went to Mr. Ritson's chambers,
and knocked at the door several times, but could get
no admission. At last a key was obtained from the
laundress ; and Mr. Quin, the steward, and myself,
with two porters, entered his chambers. He appeared
much confused on seeing us, and asked how
we came in ? We told him by means of the laun-
dress's key. He then asked what we wanted ^ Mr.