Lucas McCain's childhood friend, the closest thing to a brother he ever had, drops into to see him at the ranch. Tom Birch is now a known bank robber but his visit with Lucas and Mark is entirely friendly. Mark knows all about the Birch gang and Lucas has to try to explain to him what it means to be a friend but still be honest. Tom tells Lucas he headed to Colorado but when he heads off in the direction of North Fork, it's pretty obvious that he's going to rob the bank and Lucas is forced to choose between his friendship and his community.
—garykmcd