Sir John Kendall told off the rest of the knights to the various duties of watching the houses occupied by the officials and warders, and of entering the prison rooms and remaining in them on guard.

The governor, with his private servants, bearing a supply of torches, was to lead them to the various cells, and unlock the doors.

The knights were enjoined to move as noiselessly as possible, and to avoid all clashing of arms against armour.
The governor produced a number of cloths intended to be served out to the slaves.

Strips of these were cut off and wrapped round the feet of the English knights, so as to deaden the sound of their boots on the stone pavement.

Then, accompanied by the grand master and Sir John Kendall, he went the round of the cells.
In some of these the slaves were found standing up in an attitude of eager expectation, which, as the door opened, and the light of the torches showed a party of knights, changed into one of terror and consternation.