Following Joe Parrot, they arrived at a harbor where a lot of ships were anchored. They went to the office where the harbormaster was stationed. Two soldiers guarded the door.
John had left behind a majority of their members on standby near the port. It was not convenient to move around in a large group. But their current seven-men group was still considered large by the guards. They were barred from entry and were asked the purpose of their visit. After informing the guards of their purpose, they were informed only two persons were allowed to enter. So, John entered with Joe Parrot. The others waited outside.
Inside the office, they saw a man behind a desk. Another soldier was standing behind in a ready pose. It was easy to assume the sitting man was the harbormaster.