Study Guide

The Quiet American Part 4, Chapter 2: Section 1

By Graham Greene

Part 4, Chapter 2: Section 1

Fowler arrives at Mr. Chou's residence and asks for Mr. Heng. He doesn't seem to be in.
After a short delay, a woman there ushers Fowler to a place a few blocks away where he finds him.
Mr. Heng had heard the news of the attack. He's staying away from Mr. Chou's for a while. Even though he had nothing to do with the attack, it's the job of the police to find a culprit.
Fowler informs Mr. Heng that Pyle is to blame.
Mr. Heng agrees.
Fowler asks if Pyle is with the O.S.S., a U.S. intelligence agency. Mr. Heng surmises that the initials are different.
Knowing that the police aren't interested in General Thé and that they can't touch Pyle, an American, Fowler asks how Pyle can be stopped.
Would he be prepared to help them, Mr. Heng asks?
Mr. Heng suggests that Fowler invite Pyle to dinner at six thirty at the Vieux Moulin. They will apprehend Pyle on the way.
What will they do? They'll act as gently as the situation allows. That sounds like it could cover a lot of ground. Well, you know what happens.
Fowler agrees. He's taking sides at last.