The Quiet American

Two weeks have passed since Pyle was assassinated. Fowler waits for Vigot, having sent Phuong and her sister to see a movie. When Vigot arrives, they drink and discuss a York Harding book on Fowler’s shelf. Fowler claims that Harding is the originator of Pyle’s Third Force idea and blames him for Pyle’s murder. Vigot has learned a great deal in the course of his investigation, including the fact that Pyle and Fowler met on the night Pyle died. The wet cement on the paws of Pyle’s dog matches the wet cement outside Fowler’s building. Fowler claims he has no information to offer. He cannot remember what film he watched as part of his alibi, claiming that he was too preoccupied with private matters. After the inspector leaves, Fowler wishes that he dared to explain that he had, in fact, met Pyle that night.

The narrative returns to the immediate aftermath of the bombing. Fowler visits Chou’s warehouse to speak to Heng. He receives confirmation from Heng that the bombing was orchestrated by Pyle and General Thé. Heng will not or cannot say which intelligence agency employs Pyle. Worried that the police will blame the communists, exactly like Pyle and Thé hope, Fowler plots a way to stop Pyle.