"It is no matter if we can't get out, for your mother knows that we came here, and if we don't come home in an hour, she will come for us and let us out." "But perhaps there is a ladder somewhere," added Mary Bell, after a short pause.

"Perhaps we can find a ladder that the carpenters have left somewhere about.

If there is, we can put it out the window, and then climb down upon it.

Let us go and look." "Well," said Bella, "so we will." The two children accordingly set off on an exploring tour to find a ladder.

Mary Bell went toward the front part of the house, and Bella into the back kitchen.