The trio receive a warm welcome from the officials at Pankot Palace and are allowed to stay for the night as guests, attending a lavish but revolting banquet hosted by the young Maharaja. The officials rebuff Indy's theory that the Thuggee cult is responsible for their troubles. Later that night, Indy is attacked by an assassin. After Indy kills him, he discovers a series of tunnels hidden behind a statue and sets out to explore them, overcoming a number of booby-traps.