Frank Merriwell's Prosperity; or, Toil Has Its Reward

"Frank Merriwell's Prosperity; or, Toil Has Its Reward" by Burt L. Standish is a story set in the late 1800s that centers on Frank Merriwell, a writer and actor focused on morals and devotion, as he deals with friendship and the results of choices, all within the drama of the theater community. The story focuses on Merriwell’s friend, Bart Hodge, who makes bad choices that make his life spin downwards into disagreement, disloyalty, and a big need to make things proper again. The story starts at the Star Theater in Atchison, Kansas, as Frank Merriwell's group gets ready to perform "True Blue". There’s stress when Bart Hodge, an actor with talent but anger, disobeys during practice. This makes a big argument with stage manager Roscoe Havener. This fight makes a split between Frank and Bart, as Frank tries to calm things and learn what’s making Bart upset, because he is prideful and has been failing a lot recently. Finally, Bart gets too emotional and leaves the group, taking a lot of Frank's cash with him. The scene is now set for a thrilling story of loyalty put to the test amidst betrayal and the hard road to getting back one's good name.