Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-07-21
NOT QUITE ABDUCTED
Peculiar Combination of Misunder-
standings in Allegheny.
'A1s.YEAR-OLD GIRL THE SUBJECT,
And Friends of Hers Are Officially Charged
With Conspiracy.
PROMPT BAIL AND LITTLE ROMANCE

PROMPT BAIL AND LITTLE ROMANCE
One of the most peculiar and remarkable
cases of alleged abduction or conspiracy
that has ever come under the notice of the
police was eeveloped yesterday. 1t Is 8
very unusual affair, and it may be neces
sary to call on Philadelphia lawyer tc
untangleit.
The story, as told by Attorney McGeary,
employed to watch the case, is given: "Mr.
Penneyluna was a saloon keeper on Rebeccs
street, Allegheny, for 16 years, but died
seven years ago. His wife sur
vived him two years, and left q
son and daughter. At the time of her
death, Emma Hilkey was in the employ OF
the family as domestic. After the death
of their mother, the children, Alex P, and
Mary Penneyluna, went to live with Miss
Hilkey and her sister at 301 Federal
street, where the two sisters had a
boarding and lodging house. They lived
there, apparently very pleasantly, until
about four months ago, wnen suite of
rooms in the house was rented to Mr.. w. G.
Leith, telegraph operator, and his wife.
Mrs Leith thought the girl was not being
treated properly, and
ASKED HER TO GO
with them to Mrs. Leith's mother in New
York. The brother was willing that the
girl should go, but the Misses Hilkey, upon
learning of the movement, reported the mat
ter to Humane Agent Dean, and Miss
Emma Hilkey made an information against
Mrs. Leith and Mr.. Pennyluna,
before Alderman Porter, charg-
ing them with conspiracy. She
alleged that the girl was being enticed
away. Warrants were issued and Mrs.
Leith was arrested, but promptly furnished
bail for hearing on next Tuesday. Mr..
Penneyluna is yet at liberty"
This was the lawyers story OF the case.
The brother of the girl told the following to
THE DISPATCH reporter last night, while
waiting for Mayor Pearson at the Allegheny
City Hall last night:
my sister and 1 boarded with Miss
Hilkey since the death of our mother, five
years ago. l am an insurance agent and
paid the board for both of us. Miss Hilkey
seemed to have
A WONDERFUL INFLUENCE
over my sister. She got her position at
Mrs. Rollers, on Ohio street, as q dress
maker, and she earned S4 week. She re-
quired her to get up at o'clock in the
morning, and do the housework before going
to the dressmaking establishment, and,
when she returned, kept her busy about the
house until IL o'clock. Several days ago
toyk my sister away, and secured boarding
at a house on Ellsworth street in
Allegheny. MY sister went out, on
FRIDAY afternoon, 1 think it was,
with Mrs. Leith. They were on their way
home in a Pleasant Valley car when Miss
Hilkey boarded the car at Penn ave-
nue.. and, seeing my sister, immediate
company her. The girl, being afraid,
went along. then found myself un able to
see her. When heard that a warrant was
out for my arrest, went to Alderman
Porter's office, and he told me that his con-
stable was looking for me. ] then went
away, and have not yet been arrested. I
am here tonight to see if the Mayor cannot
do something for me-"
Attorney McGeary had an appointment
to meet Mrs. Lelth and representative OF
this paper was present. Mrs. Leith is a
sprightly, handsome young woman, about
20 years of age, and seemed to enjoy the
NOVELTY OF BEING UNDER BAIL,
and said to the reporter: II have done
nothing wrong, and am not afraid of trial.
1 telegraphed to my mother, telling her of
my arrest, and here is the reply have just
received. 1.-THE telegram read: 81 have
taken the 8 o'clock train and will be
with you in the morning."1 i am
sorry, but poor mamma must be troubled.
took an interest in the poor girl ever since
entered the house, and understand that
she has been badly treated, and still dine
at Miss Hilkey's house, but will get out as
soon as possible"
She then laughingly related how the con-
stable had called to arrest her and how she
had compelled him to wait until she was
ready to accompany him.
The representative of this paper then
called at the house of the Misses Hilkey
and found Miss Annie Hilkey, a pretty
young lady, sitting on the steps. He in
1uired for Miss Emma, and was invited
into the parlor, saying: "Maybe will do;
my sister is not in at present"
81 want to see Miss Penneyluna and your
sister," said the reporter.
"Do you come from Alderman Porter's
ofice?"
"No."
Were you sent here by Agent Dean?"
"No."
"Now know you are a reporter, and I
have nothing to say
A NOISE FROM WITHIN.
At this moment there was kicking and |
knocking at the door of an adjoining room,
Is if someone were trying to break out. |
Afterward call was made from the hall: |
Don't tell that man anything"
Later in the evening Mayor Pearson ap- |
peared at the Office, aud Mr.. Penneylune
stated his case to him. He said he wanted |
his sister, and also that Miss Hilkey had |
threatened him. He was then permitted |
10 make an information against her for |
surety OF the peace. A warrant was |
quickly drawn up and placed in the |
hands of Detectives Mcclure and |
with instructions to bring |
he girl with them. The brother |
If the girl accompanied the officers;
put two hours elapsed before they |
we're heard from, and the Mayor
rot tired and went home. About |
midnight the party appeared. 1t consisted
If the two Misses Hilkey, the much-wanted
yirl, her brother, washerwoman
ind several of the neighbors. The
was there to give bail for the
Misses Hilkey; but Acting Chief Glenn
aid it was unnecessary, as he had received |
Instructions from the Mayor to release them
IN their own recognizance until Monday
morning. ..-...
A STRIKING SCENE.
When the party arrived and were seated |
n the Mayors private Office a DISPATCH
eporter approached the girl and said:
''Do you want to go with these ladies or
With your brother?"
The answer came quickly, my brother,"-
ust in the nick of time, for Miss HiIkey,
lpon seeing that the girl was being spoken
o, sprang across the room, and pointing
Ter finger at the girl, said: "Don't you dare
o talk to that mani
This command had the desired effect, and
he girl refused to talk any more, although
Ter brother told her to answer any question
sked.
Miss Emma Hilkey thdn made a state