Captain Gault


Captain Gault is a fictional sea captain created by English writer William Hope Hodgson. Many of the Captain Gault stories were collected in the book Captain Gault, Being the Exceedingly Private Log of a Sea-Captain, published in 1917.

Story summaries

"Contraband of War"

Captain Gault leads into a plot to smuggle a cargo of rifles directly under the watchful eye of customs.

"The Diamond Spy"

Captain Gault smuggles diamonds past customs officials. The plot involves a cage of chickens who are fed phony diamonds to deceive a spy.

"The Red Herring"

Captain Gault smuggles pearls using the customs officials themselves, a bribe, and a planted, duplicate bag in a double deception.

"The Case of the Chinese Curio Dealer"

This is a longer Captain Gault story and takes place in San Francisco. The plot is quite complex and involves deception, danger, ancient artifacts, and cross-dressing. Captain Gault is revealed to be a member of a secret society.

"The Drum of Saccharine"

Captain Gault's associates on board attempt to smuggle saccharine and ask his assistance.

"From Information Received"

Another bait-and-switch plot, this one centering on smuggling cigars directly from Cuba and some play-acting in front of customs officials.

"The German Spy"

Captain Gault's loyalties are tested in this war-time story.

"The Problem of the Pearls"

Pearls are hidden in plain sight.

"The Painted Lady"

This story about the nerve-wracking smuggling of the famed Mona Lisa. It is revealed that Captain Gault has a talent for painting.

"The Adventure of the Garter"

Another story that tests Captain Gault's ability to withstand feminine wiles.

"My Lady's Jewels"

Captain Gault agrees to help a wealthy, older female passenger avoid paying duties on a very valuable necklace.

"Trading with the Enemy"

Captain Gault tricks German submarines in a double deception as he sells them fuel for their submarines.

"The Plans of the Reefing Bi-Plane"

In another wartime story, Captain Gault plays German soldiers for fools in a standoff situation.