Frederick Merrick White (1859â1935) wrote a number of novels and short stories under the name âFred M. Whiteâ including the six âDoom of Londonâ science-fiction stories, in which various catastrophes beset London. These include âThe Four Daysâ Nightâ, in which London is beset by a massive killer smog; âThe Dust of Deathâ, in which diphtheria infects the city, spreading from refuse tips and sewers; and âThe Four White Daysâ, in which a sudden and deep winter paralyses the city under snow and ice. Fred M. White is mostly known for mysteries and is considered also as one of the pioneers of the spy story. âReal Dramaâ (1909) is a series of stories published under the subtitle âBeing Some Leaves From The Notebook Of A Late Theatrical Agentâ. It includes: âHis Second Selfâ, âAn Extra Turnâ, âNot In The Billâ, âThe Plagiaristâ, âThe Man In Possessionâ, âA Pair Of Handcuffsâ.