Kennedy’s experiences as he related them to me afterwards were similar, though sufficiently varied to be interesting.  His visions took the forms of animals—­a Cheshire cat, like that in “Alice in Wonderland,” with merely a grin that faded away, changing into a lynx which in turn disappeared, followed by an unknown creature with short nose and pointed ears, then tortoises and guinea-pigs, a perfectly unrelated succession of beasts.  When the playing began a beautiful panorama unfolded before him—­the regular notes in the music enhancing the beauty, and changes in the scenes, which he described as a most wonderful kinetoscopic display.

In fact, only De Quincey or Bayard Taylor or Poe could have done justice to the thrilling effects of the drug, and not even they unless an amanuensis had been seated by them to take down what they dictated, for I defy anyone to remember anything but a fraction of the rapid march of changes under its influence.  Indeed, in observing its action I almost forgot for the time being the purpose of our visit, so fascinated was I. The music ceased, but not the visions.

Senora Mendez advanced toward us.  The spangles on her net dress seemed to give her a fairy-like appearance; she seemed to float over the carpet like a glowing, fleecy, white cloud over a rainbow-tinted sky.

Kennedy, however, had not for an instant forgotten what we were there for, and his attention recalled mine.  I was surprised to see that when I made the effort I could talk and think quite as rationally as ever, though the wildest pranks were going on in my mind and vision.  Kennedy did not beat about in putting his question, evidently counting on the surprise to extract the truth.

“What time did Senor Guerrero leave last night?”

The question came so suddenly that she had no time to think of a reply that would conceal anything she might otherwise have wished to conceal.

“About ten o’clock,” she answered, then instantly was on her guard, for Torreon had caught her eye.

“And you have no idea where he went?” asked Kennedy.

“None, unless he went home,” she replied guardedly.

I did not at the time notice the significance of her prompt response to Torreon’s warning.  I did not notice, as did Kennedy, the smile that spread over Torreon’s features.  The music had started again, and I was oblivious to all but the riot of colour.

Again the servant entered.  She seemed clothed in a halo of light and colour, every fold of her dress radiating the most delicate tones.  Yet there was nothing voluptuous or sensual about it.  I was raised above earthly things.  Men and women were no longer men and women—­they were brilliant creatures of whom I was one.  It was sensuous, but not sensual.  I looked at my own clothes.  My everyday suit was idealised.  My hands were surrounded by a glow of red fire that made me feel that they must be the hands of a divinity.  I noticed them as I reached forward toward the tray of little cups.