In this case, not only the printer's devil, but the wolf was at the door.

The affairs of the Ballantynes clamoured for moneys In their necessity and his own, Scott wrote at the rate of a volume in ten days, and for some financial reason published "Guy Mannering" with Messrs.
Longmans, not with Constable.

Scott was at this moment facing creditors and difficulties as Napoleon faced the armies of the Allies,--present everywhere, everywhere daring and successful.

True, his "Lord of the Isles" was a disappointment, as James Ballantyne informed him.

"'Well, James, so be it; but you know we must not droop, for we cannot afford to give over.