... instead of arriving at Nichilli, on the 21st, their arrival did not take place until the 27th; and this delay was solely to be attributed to the circumvolutionary disposition of their guides, who, instead of proceeding in a straight line to the destined spot, went in a curvilinear direction, until, at one time, they were at a greater distance from Nichilli than they were when they set out from the ship.
Source: wiktionary