Sentence:  The form of a man was seen to enter, and both the females rushed up the <WSD>ladder</WSD>, as if equally afraid of the consequences. The stranger secured the door, and first examining the lower room with great care, he cautiously ascended the <WSD>ladder</WSD>. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A frame, usually portable, of wood, metal, or rope, used for ascent and descent, consisting of two side pieces to which are fastened rungs (cross strips or rounds acting as steps).