Chapter Xii. the Bazaar At Damascus--the Khan--Grotto of St.

Paul--Fanaticism of the inhabitants--Departure from Damascus--The desert--Military escort--Heliopolis or Balbeck--Stupendous ruins-- Continuation of our voyage through the desert--The plague--The Lebanon range--Cedar-trees--Druses and Maronites--Importunate beggars--Thievish propensities of the Arabs