As Fowler discovers these activities, he is so much worried and annoyed, that he uses his private Chinese relations to have Pyle killed, despite the fact that Pyle has saved his life during a nightly trip near Saigon. It is with this murder that the book begins. Alternatively, events before and after the murder are described. In the end Fowlers wife accepts a divorce and Fowler can marry Phuong. They smoke opium, until the police arrives and they are interrogated at the police office by Vigot.
Fowler identifies the corps.
Pyle, the diplomat is wounded in the chest, but the real cause of death is mud in his lungs. Fowler tells the bad news to Phuong afterwards, who decides to stay with Fowler again. The first meeting between Pyle and Fowler is described, right after Pyles arrival. They discuss the work of the diplomatic correspondent York Harding, who has a great influence on Pyles thinking. Fowler and Phuong go and get the properties of Phuong from Pyles home,where they meet Vigot and realize that Pyles dog, present on a photograph,has also disappeared.