S. S. Times
As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.…
Mineral coal is still a thing of uncommon use or knowledge in the East, except on the steamers. But charcoal is the "coal"; it is made and used everywhere, and is sold by weight. Upon the coals the "bread" or "loaf" is baked, either on a pan or piece of metal; or directly on (or under) the coals themselves, protected by a layer of ashes. The variety of modes of baking, and of bread, which one sees at an Oriental camp-fire, are many. The picture here is doubtless that of both bread and fish cooking at the fire; not of baked bread waiting for the fish to be done. The "loaf" was, or is, a flat cake.
(S. S. Times.)
Parallel VersesKJV: As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.