I believe he wandered away when we weren't paying attention, and we never saw him again.
DE VERE
Lost in the woods and froze to death. Happens all the time, I hear.
PIGGSNORTO
Yeah, that sounds good.
JOHN
But...we...
PIGGSNORTO faces off with JOHN.
PIGGSNORTO
None of us wants to go to prison for a lie. I've got a good business and a family to take care of. I say what the doc says.
CACAPHODEL
I'm a respectable scientist. The world needs me. I can't be imprisoned for this.
DE VERE
I'm a Lord of the English Empire. Murder is below me. I believe he left us out in the cold to fend for ourselves.
PIGGSNORTO
Yeah, I think so, too. How about you, old man? You're pretty quiet. What you say?
Beat.
CHILLINGWORTH
I have to see where that forgery fell.
PIGGSNORTO
It fell in a river. It's gone.
CACAPHODEL
It wouldn't be wise to place yourself next to the body.
DE VERE
Yes. Listen to good advice. Seeker is gone, as is the Great Carbuncle.
CHILLINGWORTH
It never existed!
DE VERE
Then why go looking for it?
CHILLINGWORTH
I have to find it. I have to!
PIGGSNORTO
I think you have to stay with us, or else Seeker's gonna get some company. What you say to that?
CHILLINGWORTH
Mr. Piggsnorto, I'm old and don't have much to live for. If you feel the need to throw me over the ledge too, then do it. However, I'm going to search for that crystal if you don't stop me. So? What's your decision?
Beat.
CHILLINGWORTH
If I'm apprehended by the authorities, I'll confirm our lie.
CHILLINGWORTH exits.
PIGGSNORTO
You better!
JOHN
Are we really going to pretend like this never happened?