EARLY  INTRUDERS.                        69
by a strange coincidence both the English and French
selected the same island upon which to establish them-
selves; but, as it appears, on different sides of the small
island of St Christopher, one of the lesser Antilles. This
was at first selected as the point most convenient from
which to start out on their privateering enterprises.
Here, in this island, the subjects of the two powers of
France and England seem to have remained peacefully
and quietly in joint occupation, even uniting their forces
against the native inhabitants.
The French, it is said, busied themselves in making
large boats from a peculiar tree, in which they wan-
dered about among the neighbouring islands, going so
far even as to land on the shores of St Domingo, particu-
larly on the north coast, the wild cattle of which offered
them tempting inducements. They had thus established
themselves in small parties from Samana to Tortuga.
Each nationality being anxious to retain possession of
St Christopher for its own Government, representatives
returned to France and England to inform their respective
Governments of the advantages to be gained in securing
and settling this island.
Cardinal Eichelieu, in France, immediately took steps to
secure these advantages to the French; and a company
was formed for the working of this and other islands,
in which he himself took stock. This company was known
as the " Compagnie des Iles ; " and every one embarking
under its auspices was required to remain in the islands
and labour there three years for the benefit of the com-
pany, in consideration of receiving his passage free. This
class of persons was known as " engagés," and became
of great importance afterwards in the settlement of the
New World.
The English, having pursued the same policy, were
rapidly growing to be the stronger party in the island,
though as yet they both occupied   it jointly and peace-