Then Darry steps foward to start the rumble off, saying that he'll take on any of the Socs. One of the Socs clarifies the rules, that 'the first to run lose,' and that they won't use weapons. Ponyboy notices how the Socs don't look like they're going to a rumble at all, and decides that since 'people usually go by looks,' it makes sense that the Greasers always get in trouble. The Socs start arriving at the vacant lot there are twenty-two Socs and twenty Greasers. But when Tim Shepard calls Darry over, Ponyboy thinks 'He shouldn't be here.' None of their gang should be there, because 'We're greasers, but not hoods, and we don't belong with this bunch of future convicts.' Ponyboy looks around at the other members of his gang and realizes that since they're not using weapons, Darry really is the best equipped for the fight. One of the guys from the Brumly gang asks Ponyboy about Darry, saying he looks like a good rumbler. He also notices he's the youngest one there, since Curly Shepard is in the reformatory for breaking into a liquor store. When Tim Shepard reaches Ponyboy, he asks about how he and Johnny killed the Soc Ponyboy pretends to be proud of it. They all shake hands to prove that their on the same side in the rumble. Ponyboy notes that the difference between their gang and the Shepard gang is that Tim Shepard uses 'strict discipline ' there is a clear leader and they are organized, while Ponyboy's gang is 'just buddies who stuck together.' There's also another Greaser gang from Brumly, a suburb. When the gang gets to the vacant lot, Tim Shepard and his gang are already there. Darry reminds Ponyboy and Soda to run away if the police show up, so they don't get put in a boys' home. but Ponyboy doesn't know why he himself fights. They do a role play in which Darry and Two-Bit pretend to be snobby Socs, saying 'Get thee hence, white trash,' while Soda embraces the Greaser stereotypes, chanting, 'I blacken the name of our fair city.' Ponyboy asks Two-Bit why he likes to fight, and he responds, 'Shoot, everybody fights.' Ponyboy realizes that each member of the gang fights for a different reason: Soda for fun, Steve for hatred, Darry for pride, and Two-Bit for conformity. The boys start getting pumped up for the rumble, doing acrobatics and shouting as they leave the house. Finally Darry gives in and says he'll let Ponyboy fight. None of the other smaller guys will be there not Johnny or Dally or Curly Shepard, Tim Shepard's little brother, because he's in the reformatory. Since everyone else likes fighting, Ponyboy feels out of place.Дarry tells him he thinks it's not a good idea for him to go to the fight, since he's 'tensed up too much.' But Soda says to let Ponyboy come, since there are no weapons. I like it, too.' Darry doesn't answer, just gives Ponyboy 'one of those looks that hide what he's thinking.' But Soda chimes in that Darry likes to show off his muscles, and Ponyboy thinks that's true. When I get in a fight I want to stomp the other guy good.

Like a drag race or a dance or something.' Steve's answer is because 'I want to beat those Socs' heads in. While they wait for Two-Bit to show up, Ponyboy asks the others if they like fighting and why.

He, Soda, and Steve use more hair grease than they need to, to maintain their image of toughness. Then he takes a shower to get 'spruced up' before the rumble, like he and Soda always do. He can hardly eat because he doesn't feel well, and he sneaks some aspirins when his brothers aren't looking. Ponyboy gets back to his house at almost six-thirty, late for supper.

Darry from the outsiders