Little is known of Ike McSwain's past. He and Buck joined the Pony Express together. The two friends met at a mission school where each was ostracized because they each were "different." Ike was a bald because of scarlet fever as an infant and mute after witnessing his family's murder at the hands of outlaws as a child. Buck was a half-breed Kiowa Indian. Ike jumped in to save Buck in a fight and a bond was made. Buck taught Ike Indian sign language so that Ike could communicate with others. Together the two forged a friendship that was unequaled until Ike met Emily.

Ike fell in love with Emily Metcalfe "at first sight." Emily was the new girl in town, having recently moved to Rock Creek with only her father. They had purchased a run-down ranch and Emily spent much of her time fixing up the place and taking care of her gambling father.      We first meet Emily when she barges into the saloon disappointed to find her dad exactly where she suspected. After a bit of trouble with a cheating card player, Neville, Ike accompanied Mr. Metcalfe and his daughter home.      The next day, the other riders were quite surprised when Emily, in a dress, walked into the Express yard looking for the reserved Ike.      The romance quickly bloomed, only to end in tragedy.

The romance of Ike and Emily was quick indeed! In the course of one episode, "In the Presence of Mine Enemies," the couple met, fell in love, consummated that love, faced the murder/death of Emily's father, Emily's attempt at revenge against Neville and Ike's ultimate death trying to defend his new love, Emily.  Whew!

Though the romance of Ike and Emily was brief due to Ike's tragic death, the love between the couple was both obvious and real. Very sweet indeed!!

We were all saddened by Ike's exit from The Young Riders. Though his death was noble, many of us would rather have seen Ike and Emily marry and ride into the sunset happy. This romance is one that lives on in fans' hearts.

Picture Gallery "In the Presence of Mine Enemies"

Thanks to Cass for these great screen caps!