A new method of illuminating the battlefield at night had been
invented on the Continent.
A chemical substance had been manufactured which enabled the user to
turn on a strong light over a wide space at any moment.
Rumour said that it was as powerful as a searchlight, and yet could be
carried in your pocket. But great secrecy was observed both regarding
its composition and its experimental trials.
In the same army a new kind of observation balloon was said to be on
trial equipped with some very up-to-date apparatus.
Also it was reported that, in addition to these aids to effective
reconnaissance, a new method of swimming rivers by cavalry had been
invented by which every man and horse in a cavalry division could
cross wide rivers without difficulty or delay.
Owing to political strain going on in Europe at the time there was the
possibility that these rumours might have been purposely set on foot,
like many others, with a view to giving some moral prestige to the
army concerned.
It became my duty to investigate as far as possible what amount of
truth lay in them.