Frank played the leading part, and he made a hit.
Then fate rose up and again dealt him a body blow.

A scene in the play was almost exactly like a scene in another play, written previously.

The author and owner of the other play called on the law to "protect" him.
An injunction was served on Merry to restrain him from playing "John Smith." He stood face to face with a lawsuit.
Frank investigated, and his investigation convinced him that it was almost certain he would be defeated if the case was carried into the courts.
He withdrew "John Smith." Frank had confidence in himself.

He had written a play that was successful, and he believed he could write another.

Already he had one skeletonized.