with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

Quill told him, we came in consequence of the great
blaze that appeared in his chambers, believing them
to be on fire. He answered, that his fire had gone
out, and that he was lighting it to make horse-radish
tea. Mr. Quin then represented to him the great
danger of making his fire with loose papers, parti-
cularly as there were so many scattered about the
room, some of which had actually taken fire. Mr.
Quin therefore begged he would permit the porters
to collect them together, and to put them away, and
to do any thing he wanted ;
upon which he said, no !
no ! and in the most peremptory manner ordered
thfem to leave his chambers, saying they were only
servants to the Society, and had no business in his
chambers. Mr. Quin observed, that consistently
with his duty as Steward of the Inn, he could not
leave his chambers in that dangerous situation. Mr.
Ritson then appearing much enraged, swore he would
make them, for that they came to rob him, and im-
mediately went to his bed-room, and returned with a
drawn dagger in his hand ; at sight of M'hich, Mr.
Quin and the porters immediately left the chambers,
Mr. Ritson pursuing them along the passage, and
they in their hurry shut the outer door, leaving me in
the room. On his return I disarmed him, and begged
him to sit down while I explained every thing. He