SOLVED. Classic Novel (early 20th c.?) taking place at sea with a famous twist (spoilers?) about pirates or mutiny. [s]

[Suzanne]

I believe it is a classic (late 19th/early 20th century) novel. It takes place at sea where one ship happens upon another, and something about the situation on the new ship is odd. The twist is either that the "captain" is not in charge of the ship, or that the "captain" is not the original captain - in fact either pirates or mutineers have actually taken control of the ship, and the original captain (and his crew?) are under the thumb of those who have seized control.

I don't think the book I am looking for is Billy Budd by Herman Melville - but if I'm wrong, I'm sure I am about to find out! :)

I'm guessing this is going to be a pretty quick one, because I think this is a famous, classic book with a very well-known twist, but for the life of me I cannot find it on Google!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Benito Cereno

[Suzanne]

OMG Thank you so much. That was driving me crazy. Now I know why I had Billy Budd stuck in my head. :)