Captain Gault is a fictional sea captain

Captain (nautical)

A sea captain is a licensed mariner in ultimate command of the vessel. The captain is responsible for its safe and efficient operation, including cargo operations, navigation, crew management and ensuring that the vessel complies with local and international laws, as well as company and flag...

 created by English

England

England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...

 writer William Hope Hodgson

William Hope Hodgson

William Hope Hodgson was an English author. He produced a large body of work, consisting of essays, short fiction, and novels, spanning several overlapping genres including horror, fantastic fiction and science fiction. Early in his writing career he dedicated effort to poetry, although few of his...

. 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.

"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 around smuggling cigars directly from Cuba

Cuba

The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...

 and some play-acting in front of customs officials.

"The Painted Lady"

This story about the nerve-wracking smuggling of the famed Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa is a portrait by the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci. It is a painting in oil on a poplar panel, completed circa 1503–1519...

. 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.