When we consider the large sums of money Walter Scott has got for his works, the greater part of which has been thrown into the hands of the Ballantynes, and likewise the excellent printing business J.B.

has had for so many years, it is quite incomprehensible what has become of all the money.

Miller says, 'It is just a jaw hole which swallows up all,' and from what he has heard he does not believe Walter Scott is worth anything." Murray was nevertheless willing to go on until the terms of his bargain with Ballantyne were fulfilled, and wrote to Blackwood that he was "resolved to swallow the pill, bitter though it was," but he expressed his surprise that "Mr.Scott should have allowed his property to be squandered as it has been by these people." Blackwood, however, was in great anxiety about the transaction, fearing the result of the engagement which he and Murray had entered into.
_Mr.Wm.Blackwood to John Murray_.
_July 2_, 1816.
"This morning I got up between five and six, but instead of sitting down to write to you, as I had intended, I mounted my pony and took a long ride to collect my thoughts.

Sitting, walking, or riding is all the same.

I feel as much puzzled as ever, and undetermined whether or not to cut the Gordian knot.