What is a pallet? Why was it used for Russell and Dube? (Chapter 9)

Pallet is a a straw mattress or make shift bed. Please quote the sentence in the book.

Hey, dude, I know it's good to help, I know. But you need to stop helping this guy. I know exactly who he is, and were in the same class. The questions on the website are exactly the same, and he's cheating.

Don't help him.