A former Army scout, Tom served under Paladin's first command in the cavalry. The two became friends, and Tom always claimed that he had the faster draw. Paladin humored him.
Later, the Army let the scouts go. Tom found his way to the town of Sweetwater, was made marshal, and brought law to the town. However, the aging ex-scout soon became tyrannical, regulating the townspeople to keep the peace. Paladin came to Sweetwater to visit him, and soon discovered what Tom was doing. Tom became obsessed with a newcomer, saloon owner Marie Ellis, and forced himself upon her. She accepted Tom's advances, thinking that she was buying Paladin's life in the bargain. When Tom insisted on drawing on Paladin anyway, Paladin confirmed that he had always been the faster gun and had no choice but to kill his former friend.
