I am not over fond of all these mysteries, but they are a mysterious set of personages, and we must manage with them in the best way that we can." A letter followed from James Ballantyne to Murray (May I, 1816), congratulating him upon concluding the bargain through Blackwood, and saying: "I have taken the liberty of drawing upon you at twelve months for L300 for your share....

It will be a singularly great accommodation if you can return the bill in course of post." Although Ballantyne had promised that the first edition of the proposed work should be ready by October 1, 1816, Blackwood found that in June the printing of the work had not yet commenced.

Ballantyne said he had not yet got any part of the manuscript from the author, but that he would press him again on the subject.

The controversy still continued as to the authorship of the Waverley Novels.

"For these six months past," wrote Blackwood (June 6, 1816), "there have been various rumours with regard to Greenfield being the author of these Novels, but I never paid much attention to it; the thing appeared to me so very improbable....
But from what I have heard lately, and from what you state, I now begin to think that Greenfield may probably be the author." On the other hand, Mr.Mackenzie called upon Blackwood, and informed him that "he was now quite convinced that Thomas Scott, Walter's brother in Canada, writes all the novels." The secret, however, was kept for many years longer.
Blackwood became quite provoked at the delay in proceeding with the proposed work.
_Mr.Wm.Blackwood to John Murray_.
_June_ 21, 1816.
"I begin to fear that S.B.and Cy.