In this quote, Huck is saying that it is better to be honest than lie in this particular situation. He is thinking about telling Mary Jane the truth. This will remove the blame from him and make her feel better.
His motives differ in these chapters because when he is lying now it is to help others, not just himself.
Twain doesn't involve Jim much in these chapters because he is trying to show Huck’s change and how he has matured. Also, he is making other points against society, not just slavery.
This shows that Hines character is greedy and cares about money more than