The first witness called was Dalton, who deposed that he had knocked at the door of the deceased at seven as usual, but receiving no reply had entered, and found him lying in the lower berth, with a stiletto (produced) in his breast. He was completely dressed, and as all the furniture of the cabin was in order, there was no sign of any struggle.
The stiletto produced was a slender, steel instrument, about seven inches long, with a curiously carved ivory handle, representing the head of Bacchus, surrounded by clusters of grapes.
Captain: Were the bed-clothes in the berth disarranged?
Witness: No sir; he was lying on top of 'em.
Captain: Quite dressed?
Witness: Yes sir; just as if he was taking a sleep afore turning in.
Captain: Any of his jewellery missing?
Witness: No sir; his watch was in his pocket, and two rings on his fingers.
Captain: When did you last see him alive?
Witness: Yesterday, when he came on board at Valletta.