William Hope Hodgson

Captain Gault William Hope Hodgson

Collection of crime stories, narrated by the scrupulous smuggler and ladies' man, Captain Gault. The collected Captain Gault stories are wryly humorous mini-adventures. All of the tales deal with Gault's efforts to smuggle various contraband into America and Britain. There are inevitable twists and double-crosses as characters appear to gain the upper hand before the truth is revealed. The stories are generally fresh and exciting and short enough to never outstay their welcome:1. "My Lady's Jewels". Captain Gault agrees to help a wealthy, older female passenger avoid paying duties on a very valuable necklace.2. "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.3. "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.4. "The Red Herring". Captain Gault smuggles pearls using the customs officials themselves, a bribe, and a planted, duplicate bag in a double deception.5. "The Drum of Saccharine". Captain Gault's associates on board attempt to smuggle saccharine and ask his assistance.6. "The Problem of the Pearls". Pearls are hidden in plain sight.7. "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.8. "Contraband of War". Captain Gault leads into a plot to smuggle a cargo of rifles directly under the watchful eye of customs.9. "The German Spy". Captain Gault's loyalties are tested in this war-time story.10. "The Adventure of the Garter". Another story that tests Captain Gault's ability to withstand feminine wiles.