In the story "spunk" what do you learn about the men at the store in the first section?

The story "Spunk" begins with Walter Thomas and Elijah Mosley, the men on the porch of the store. They witness Lena Kanty wondering off into the bushes with a man that is not her husband, Spunk. As they talk about Spunk and his bravery, Joe (Lena's husband) walks into the store. Joe is highly timid compared to Spunk, and he is mocked for being cuckolded by his wife. Elijah then advises Joe that they saw his wife and Spunk together, causing Joe to go after them with a knife.

The men appear to entertain each other with gossip, and instigating conflict between people. They most likely have nothing more interesting to do.