He has come West because of his tuberculosis. He has already established himself in Tombstone when the Earps arrive. He and Wyatt Earp are good friends from Dodge City, Kansas, while Virgil Earp is cool, but respectful to his younger brother's friend. Doctors have advised him to refrain from long nights at the gambling table in addition to alcohol and even bedroom activities, all of which his girlfriend Kate encourages him to do.