How are Tom and Huck affected when Muff Potter finally speaks to them? What does this ultimately lead to?

Cowardice and guilt come over the boys when Muff Potter expresses his gratitude to the boys and warns them against the evils of alcohol. "You've been mighty good to me boysŠ Shake handsŠ little hands, and weak ­ but they've helped Muff Potter a power, and they'd help him more if they could." Tom and Huck left in a miserable mood, and each avoided the other at the courthouse the next day. Eventually, Huck and Tom tell the truth in court despite being afraid of Injun Joe.