The Young Riders: Decoy

Teaser: Cody's latest dime novel has him dreaming that he's The Man in Black - the coolest, calmest, deadliest lawman ever. He'll take on the meanest gang of outlaws that ever roamed the Wild West, and he'll do it single-handedly, without breaking a sweat. So naturally, when a special run for the government comes up, Cody volunteers himself as the best rider for such an important mission.

Main Story: Cody's mission is to deliver a list of names of army officers believed to have southern sympathies. Along the way, he must evade a group of soldiers bent on stealing the list. He also befriends Mary Lou, a woman whose husband was recently killed. He winds up saving her from an attack by the same claim-jumpers who killed her husband.

Cody's main challenge, however, comes when he meets up with an old mountain man who asks for the rider's help in saving his friend - a friend who just happens to be a huge grizzly bear. Cody manages to get the bear out of the trap, but he can't save the mountain man.

Question: How do you tell a grizzly bear he can't follow you home?
Answer: VERY carefully!

Through all of the trials along the way, Cody perseveres - only to find out that he was a decoy. The real documents were quietly delivered by an army officer. After getting his satisfaction by punching the smug officer, Cody goes back to Mary Lou's. He brings her back to Sweetwater with him, the first step in helping her get back east.

Second Story: Meanwhile, back at the station, Kid finds a baby abandoned on the bunkhouse porch. With Emma away from home, it's up to Kid, Buck, Ike, Jimmy, and Teaspoon to play "mom" to the little girl. Fortunately, both the riders and the baby survive the experience. (No, Jimmy, spurs are NOT a baby toy!)

Question: How many bachelors does it take to change one diaper after the baby "springs a leak" (as Buck puts it)?
Answer: At least four - until Ike steps in and shows them all how it's done.

Wrap-Up: The baby's mother returns, relieving the guys of their "mom" duties. Emma returns, saving everyone from Hickok's cooking. And Cody's adventure ends as he brings Mary Lou safely to the station.

Guest Stars:	Meg Foster	"Mary Lou"
	Doug Seus	Mountain Man
	Bart the Bear	The Bear

Back to the photos