CHAPTER XVII.

1798-1799. Bonaparte's departure for Suez--Crossing the desert--Passage of the Red Sea--The fountain of Moses--The Cenobites of Mount Sinai--Danger in recrossing the Red Sea--Napoleon's return to Cairo--Money borrowed at Genoa--New designs upon Syria--Dissatisfaction of the Ottoman Porte--Plan for invading Asia--Gigantic schemes--General Berthier's permission to return to France--His romantic love and the adored portrait--He gives up his permission to return home--Louis Bonaparte leaves Egyp…