The fireballs had been prepared in the cabin of the fishing boat.

Each of the fourteen fishermen was to carry two of these.

Their leaders had carefully gone round the quarter, and had picked out the stores or warehouses into which the fireballs were to be flung.

Among these were several wood yards No private houses were to be fired.

That the flames would spread to these was likely enough, but at least there would be time for the women and children to escape.
Having decided upon the places to be fired, the sailors were one by one taken round, and the two buildings assigned to each pointed out, so that there would be no confusion or loss of time when the signal was given.