John White was a British expedition who embarked on a series of trips to explore the American Continent, which at the time was known as the West Indies, during the final years of the 16th century.
During this time, a group of Colonists who established in an island they called Roanoke, was facing a severe forest fire. This event basically circled them with little to none chance to evacuate. Upon his arrival, White initially thought that the smoke he saw was a product of a bonfire which was made by the locals, however, as he drew closer he came to understand the magnitude of the situation he had to face. He would later attempt to rescue the people who lived on the other side where the forest fire was happening.
In general, the story of Everyman is about how he faces betrayal and is deceived by the people whom he thought were inconditional to him. In this case, the correct answer is number 3, he is making excuses to avoid accompanying Everyman. Cousin is not actually injured, he just does not want to help Everyman in his suffering.
