The prizes to be gained were so great and the risks so small, that the Company could hardly restrain their own men from joining the sea rovers.

Thus, in 1694, John Steel[1] ran away with the long boat of the _Ruby_ frigate.

Sixteen others who had plotted to join him were detected in time, and clapped in irons.

The French and Dutch gave passes to all who applied for them, so Steel placed himself under French protection, and for two years 'that rogue Steel' finds frequent mention in the coast letters.

Four years later Steel was arrested in England.