Horizon of Darkness

Far behind, around a bend in the path, the uncle emerged from the reeds that lined that stretch of the shore, retying the drawstrings of his pants. Although his hands were dry and clean, he still spat on them and wiped them thoroughly on the fragrant grass – a useful habit in everyday life.
Lazily lighting a cigarette, he returned to the remaining members of the group, who were waiting for the scouts to return.