In The Chocolate War, why does Goober pull back and not help Jerry during his ordeal with the Vigils?

Roland Goubert (the Goober) is afraid of the Vigils, like many of the kids in the school. He realizes when his chocolates sales are falsely reported what is going on, and he runs to his locker in tears, knowing he's betrayed Jerry. He is so ashamed of his fear and inability to help Jerry that he misses several days of school after that. He returns on the day that Jerry is badly beaten in the boxing ring.