He stated the exact facts.
The insurance man, Scarsdale, would not open his mouth until the inquest, which took place on the afternoon after the crime had been committed.

It was held at Tralee.

Great crowds surrounded the house, but only a few found entrance to the inquest room.
Immediately on opening the inquest, Orlando was called to tell his story.

Every eye was fixed upon him intently; every ear was strained as he described his coming upon the isolated wagon and the dead man with the reins in his hands.

It is hard to say if all believed his story, but the Coroner did, and Burlingame, his lawyer, also did.
Burlingame was present, not to defend Orlando, because it was not a trial, but to watch his interests in the face of staggering circumstantial evidence.