What does Elijah tell Mr. Leroy about the preacher in chapter 16 that later leaves him feeling guilty and afraid for his life in chapter 17?

In chapter 16, Elijah tells Mr. Leroy that he does not think the preacher will take his money. However, Elijah feels guilty about this opinion when he later learns that the preacher shot Mr.Highgate when Mr. Highgate tried to stop the preacher from using the money to gamble and drink.