The answer is Henry was making excuses for not rejoining the fight
Indicates a state of questioning.
Interrogative verbs are "why" and "when" and other question words.
When could is used it refers to an ability that <span>a person generally had in the past or to something that was generally possible in the past, can is present.
I could wash the dishes for you. (having the ability to do it)
I can wash the dishes for you. (its actually going to be done)
hope this helps you! :-)</span>
In general Huck is a character who tends to separate himself from people he disagrees with. If someone thinks something in a different way than he does, Huck will be grim about it and won't have the desire for that person to be near him or he won't even listen to them. Often it happens that he has to do it even if he doesn't want to.