Mystery and Crime White, Fred Merrick: The Devil's Advocate. V1. 6 May 2012

[crutledge]

Frederick Merrick White (1859-?) wrote a number of novels and short stories under the name Fred M. White, including the six 'Doom of London' science-fiction stories, in which various catastrophes beset London. These include The Four Days' Night (1903), in which London is beset by a massive killer smog; The Dust of Death (1903), in which diphtheria infects the city, spreading from refuse tips and sewers; and The Four White Days (1903), in which a sudden and deep winter paralyses the city under snow and ice. These six stories all first appeared in Pearson's Magazine, and were illustrated by Warwick Globe.
Wikipedia

Excerpt

"Surely, my dearest girl, the meaning is plain enough. These bloodsuckers often masquerade under different names, and, without us knowing it, all this time Baines and Douglas & Co. are one and the same man. It is a favorite dodge of these scoundrels. They lend some poor devil money, and call it in suddenly. At the same time he gets a circular from the same rascal, in another name, and he flies to him for assistance. Oh, it has been done a thousand times. And now you understand. When I was replying to Douglas & Co. I was really addressing Joseph Baines. And, without appearing himself, he was actually lending me his own money. This is his revenge for those articles I wrote in my paper. You see how cunningly he lured me into the trap. He knew I could not find the money at a moment's notice, and he thinks he has ruined me."

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