Abdullah and Randolph show up in the Indian city of Benares (modern Varanasi), the so-called “city of temples” and the holiest of the seven holy cities in India.
He introduces William to the Thuggee cult. Its members begrudgingly accepts him; they have a long history with Abdullah, knowing him by the name “Canova.”
They ritualistically “murder” Randolph at Harishchandra Ghat on the banks of the Ganges to initiate him.
What is Randolph up to, this is decidedly not like him? Note: research Thuggee cult, City of Temples.