What significant thing happens to kropp and Paul in the chapter to help unite them both? What do they hope this will mean for them both?

Paul feels bad about dirtying the clean sheets in his bunk bed with his filthy, lice-ridden shirt. After a few days, Paul learns that Kropp's fever will force him to get off at the next station. Paul fakes a fever and gets sent off with Kropp.

Paul and Kropp share a room in a Catholic Hospital which brings them closer together.