Some returning runaways, looking pale (3)
I believe the answer is:
wan
'looking pale' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'some returning runaways' is the wordplay.
'returning' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'some' indicates a hidden word (some of the parts of the word are used).
'naw' can be found hidden inside 'runaways'.
'naw' in reverse letter order is 'WAN'.
(Other definitions for wan that I've seen before include "Pale and ill-looking" , "Pale and pinched-looking" , "Lacking colour" , "Pale; weak" , "Pale and weak-looking" .)