They looked not only in the rooms, but also in the passage-ways and closets, and in every corner where a ladder could possibly be hid.

At length, just as Mary Bell was going up the stairs, in order to look into the little attic chambers, she heard Bella calling out from the back part of the house, in a tone of voice expressive of great exultation and joy.
"She has found the ladder," said Mary Bell, and leaving the stairs she went to meet her.
She found Bella running through the kitchen toward the entry where Mary Bell was, calling out with great appearance of delight, "I've found the key-hole, Mary Bell! I've found the key-hole!" This was indeed true.

The lock to which the key that Mary Erskine had given the children belonged, was upon the _back_ door, the principal door of the house being fastened by a bolt.

Mary Bell went to the back door, and easily opened it by means of the key.

Glad to discover this mode of escape from their thraldom, the children ran out, and capered about upon the back stoop in great glee.