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Fernando Stevens stood on the wharf among the assembled thousands, watching the steamer until it disappeared far up the river. He was lost in wonder and amazement and was first aroused from his reverie by the young man at his side saying:
"Don't she bate the divil?"
It was his skeptical Irish friend.
Fernando turned to him and asked, "What do you think of it now?"
"Faith, she's a bird, so she is. Don't she cleave the water?"
From this time, the two became acquainted, and Fernando learned that the young Hibernian's name was Terrence Malone. Terrence was a true Irishman of the good old type. He was brave as a lion, full of native wit and humor, and yet an intelligent gentleman. From the first, he took a great fancy to Fernando and when he learned that he had come from the West to enter some academy or college, he informed him that he knew of the place--the very place. It was the Baltimore Academy. He was a member of the Baltimore school himself and he was sure there was not another like it in the world. In short, the dashing young Irishman soon persuaded Fernando to try the Baltimore school.
He went back to the tavern where he had left Sukey writing letters.
"What was all that catterwaulin' and yellin' about down at the river?" Sukey asked.
"The new steamboat began her trial trip," answered Fernando.