The shortest course between the two points, therefore, would be the arc of the great circle lying between them.

A skilful navigator would find and follow this track.

This is called great circle sailing.
The Young America followed a great circle from Cape Race to Cape Clear.
Off the former point, her course was two points north of east; off the latter, it was half a point south of east.

On her twentieth day out she sailed due east.
After the excitement of the wreck and the departure of the passengers, Shuffles and his confederates resumed their operations in the Chain League, assisted somewhat by a case of discipline which occurred at this time.

When the ship was sixteen days out the Chain consisted of thirty-one links, in the cabalistic language of the conspirators, and Shuffles was in favor of striking the blow..