When Sully Hobbs (John Anderson) and his cronies ride into North Fork, we know that the threesome will be up to no good. What Sully wants to do is take over the town and rob from the citizens so their visit is not paved with good intentions.
It just so happens that when the outlaws arrive, Mark and a classmate, Jeff Barrows (played by Don Grady of My Three son's fame)are in a fight. Sully learns from that fight, that Lucas McCain is the so-called protector of the town and they need to get rid of Lucas in order to take the town.
Instead of going after Lucas, they get the young Jeff Barrows father, Sam the barber, to try and do the job for them. The problem is that Sam Barrows in a weak man that is no match for Lucas. And the entire situation is making the young Jeff feel like his father is a coward. Something has to give and when Sam has to stand up to Lucas, some people will learn a valuable lesson about life.
Not really sure why the outlaws just did not take the town while Lucas was out at the ranch but I guess that would not make for an interesting plot. What we are left with is a solid story that ends the classic 'Rifleman' way. Another good episode that, at times, seems to be a lost art. Good show.