M. d’Outremort

M. d’Outremort (Mr. Beyonddeath in English) is a man of striking appearance and severe demeanor, with great scientific ability, having developed the principles of remote control of machines (télémécanique). He does not pursue recognition or practical application of his discoveries. The story recounts the long history of the Outremort family, marked by aristocratic isolation, internal degeneration, and continuous conflict with the surrounding population. Episodes include violence during the Revolution, the execution of family members, and later the death of M. d’Outremort’s father, killed by gunfire. These events contribute to M. d’Outremort’s resentment and withdrawal from public life. After these events, he confines himself to his ancestral château, ceasing communication with the scientific community. His life becomes divided between the family crypt and a workshop. His son also dies, leaving him alone. A new event intensifies his condition: the villagers plan to erect a statue of Houlon, a revolutionary figure associated with past violence against the Outremort family. As preparations for the ceremony proceed, M. d’Outremort increases his activity in the workshop, producing unknown mechanical constructions. On the day of the inauguration, an automobile descends from the château into the village crowd. It moves at high speed and cuts through the crowd, causing extensive destruction. The vehicle is equipped with scythe-like blades, producing mass casualties. When the vehicle is stopped, the occupants are revealed to be skeletons, including figures identified as members of the Outremort family. The driver, a skeletal figure, seems to be the deceased son. At the château, a figure closes a window…