The morning call., 1891-12-03
SAFE AT SAN QUENTIN.
How a Plucky Deputy Sheriff
Held On to His Prisoner.

Deputy Sheriff j. +. Isbel OF Los Angeles
County had big load lifted of his mind when
lie surrendered J. C.. Refe inside the walls OF
San Quentin Prison yesterday afternoon. Ac-
cOrding TO the story told by Isbell, Refell is one
OF the most dangerous burglars that ever paid
visit TO this coast, and Is tile leading man In a
gang OF Eastern crooks that has honored many a
Los Angeles residence with a nocturnal visit
He was arrested on suspicion aud large auan.
THY of stolen goods found IN his possession. He
was tried GU three charges OF burglary aud sen
fenced TO San Quentin for three years.
His pals did not desert him, but found means
OF letting him know that they were ready to aid
him at tie first possible chance. Deputy Isbell
says That a big Oregon boot" was placed on the
prisoner before he was taken from the cell In the
Los Angeles jail, but by some means OF other he
succeeded IN freeing himself OF IL, aud as soon
as he was taken out on The street made dash
for liberty. Half Dozen officers started after
him. ana lie waS oyeItaE ell after lively chase of
several blocks. lie was then bound hand and
foot and placed on tlie train.
Fearing thai his pals world make an attempt
TO rescue the prisoner, Isbell took his son win
him TO assist III guarding the fellow. AS ex-
pected the gang. numbering i've, boarded the
Train and entered the ear. Signals AT once
passed, but the close watch kept by the deputy
and his sou made the men wary OF making an
attempt AT rescue IN opeD daylight. Another
DEF uiy was on The train, aud lsbeli told him the
circumstances OF the case. and this officer agreed
to accompany BIN and hlsprlsOner 10 San Fran
SEQ, II required.
some time dullng The day the men managed to
furnish Refell with small file IN spite OF the
vigilance OF the Officers, and he made good use OF
IL by cutting the link that held the haudcuifs TO-
geiEer. Refrl was Oh the point of giving tho
signal that his pals were waiting for, when
Isbell discovered that his prisoners hands were
fee. He took IN the situation at a glance, and,
drawing his pistol, told Refell that az the first
attempt al rescue lie would put bullet through
his tRefcIPsl brain.
The prisoner turned pale and the gang waited
In vain FOR the agreed signal. Another pair Of
irons was placed On the prisoners wrist and the
file taken from him. When Lathrop was cached
tue gang closed around the officers as they were
on their way with Refell TO the dining room, but
d show Of pistols convinced them that some one
would be hurt If tney went TOO far. LIBEL ar.
rived with his man in this city soon after noon
yesterday. ana calling Officer Tom Mahoney TO
his aid, TOOK Refell on board the steamer San
Rafael, where lie was PLACED In tile oil-room
until the steamer left at l O'Clock.
Refell Is very smooth taIker and dresses more
like q bank clerk than anything else. His fine
black suit was topped off with new silk tile,
and his gloves and patent leather shoes were
new. He wore fine gold watch and chain and
large diamond stud adorned his shirt front
The convict Is about 81 years OF age. Judg
Ing by bis conversation while on the boat he IS
not stranger to the interior OF a prison, but he
seemed ia no way cast down by the failure OF hls
pals 10 effect his rescue