PASSER-BY:

(Curious) Hello, what are you doing?

SEARCHER:

I'm looking for something.

PASSER-BY:

Can I help?

SEARCHER:

Sure.

PASSER-BY:

(Looks around) Well, where is it?

SEARCHER:

(Sarcastically) If I knew that, I wouldn't still be looking!

PASSER-BY:

(Patiently) OK, so where did you lose it?

SEARCHER:

I think it must be around here somewhere, but I just can't see it.

PASSER-BY:

(Joins Searcher looking around stage area) So what does it look like?

SEARCHER:

I'm not sure, but I'll know it when I find it.

PASSER-BY:

(Pauses to consider).Well, what is it you're looking for?

SEARCHER:

The answer.

PASSER-BY:

(Pause) The answer to what?

SEARCHER:

(Stops looking) You know, THE answer—the truth, the meaning of life.

PASSER-BY:

Oh, that answer. (Puzzled) Well, why are you looking for it here?

SEARCHER:

I've got to start somewhere. If I don't start here and now, who knows, I        might never find it.

PASSER-BY:

(Can't believe it) That's ridiculous! The answer isn't something you can        find by looking around on the ground. It's the great philosophical goal        that wise men have been trying to reach throughout history. Do you        understand what it is you're looking for?

SEARCHER:

(Frustrated) How can I, unless someone explains it to me! (Pause ,        then hopefully) So, do you know what it is?

PASSER-BY:

(Embarrassed) Aah, no.

SEARCHER:

Well, then, got any better idea how to find it?

PASSER-BY:

No. You've got a point there. (They both resume searching and exit still        searching)