The evening world. Newspaper, January 29, 1915, Page 19

foes (Copyrigtt, 1914. by Dodd, Mead & Co,) OF PRECEDING CHs PTERS. exe CHAPTER Xil. vant «Mr. Blithers Arrives. . WILLIAM W. BLITHERS arrived in Edelweiss, the “capital of Graustark, on the same day that the Prince oe returned from his tour of the world. +-Going back a day or two, it be- Comes necessary to report that whilo dm Vienna the perverse Bedelia played @ahabdby trick on the infatuated Rob- “iil Ste stole away from the Bristol in ‘thé middie of the night and was hailt- > was aware of her flight. She left a ote for him the contents of which Bufficed to case his mind in the pres- pee of what otherwise might bave been looked upon as a calamity. : eSIt must not be supposed for an in- @ant that the City of Fdelwelss and _gourt of Graustark was unim- joa, by the swift approach and Qbrupt, arrival of Mr, Biithers. His egming had been heralded for days in advance. The city was rudely ex- “pectant, tire court uneasy. The man had anpounced his determination to fifafiage the public and private af- “faire ‘of the principality was coming fo town. He was coming in state, re could be no doubt about that. re than that, he was coming to propitiate the people whether they hose to be mollified or not. “When ‘the special train pulled into ‘$66 station Mr. Blithers turned to his This isn't o “But there is quite a mob out , there," she sald, peering through the | car’ window. “How can we be sure “that-they are friendly?” “Don't you worry,” sald Mr, Bith- ( ers confidently. “They are not likely S6Mtow rocks at the goose that lays olden. egg.” 2! orowd wan big, immobile, surly. ' ‘Itithed the sidewalks in the vicinity “PF the ‘station and stared with cu- Fidus, half closed eyes at the portly capitalist and hia party, which, by the “wiiy} Was rendered somewhat tmpos- Sag in sizo by augmentation in the ‘Bhapé of lawyere from Paris and Lon- don, clerks and stenographers from ‘i the Paris office, and four plain clothes men who wero to see to it that Midas ® "t. blown to smithereens by en- “¥laps anarchists; to say nothing of a ‘a-‘mald,‘a valet, a private secre- And a doctor. (Mr. Blithers al- yays went prepared for the worst.) He was somewhat amazed and dis- ‘Bruntied by the absence of silk-hat ambassadors from the castle -with ‘words of welcome for him on his ar- iy) There was a plentiful supply . men, but no Cabinet Minis- was on the point of censur- bj gecretary for not making it “Glear to the Government that he was i tO. arrive at such and such an sbour and tninute, wnen a, dapper «young man ju uniform—he couldn't ‘well wwether he was a patrolman or & Guptalo—came up and saluted, + Blithers,” said ot necessary at ir, Bilthers. “I dan will require an interpreter, in the other, only to be ide. “Aby one desiring to speak to me will bave to do it in English,” sai Bite and marched out to the ages. was in some doubt at first, vut carriage sed swiltly between ing ranks on the sidewalks he nfo dof bis hat.and bow to the His smiles were nd so his of a tri- tz he found addi~ ritation. The lords nould have met him fiway station Were as con- = Beanay absent in the rotunda of Ni there to re- bim except ingratiating Sones of blishment, who hel that he had had a pleasant trip eeiete assured him that it would Fi be more than a couple of hours fore his rooms would be vacated by oa te who now had them but Were golng away as soon as the pro- jon had passed. t ‘em out at once,” stormed Mr, thers. “De you think I want to @roynd this infernal lobby un- a “Pardon me, sald the manager Diandly, “but your rooms will not be hs Mo Ae fore 4 or 5 o'clock. We can put you ‘ily in rooms at the rear if and refresh y: be"-——— began Mr. Blith- tm the face, and then ‘way to the Graustark frontier bofore }) qi BY GEORGE BARR M’CUTCHEON Mr. Bithers. “You could not nave ar- ived time more opportune, I have the precaution to reserve chairs for you on the veranda, The procession will directly in front of the hotel on its way to Castle Ave- ‘What procession?” démanded Mr. Blithers. He was beginning to recall the presence of uniformed bands and mounted troops in the side streets near the station. “The Prince is returning to-da: cg his trip around the world,’ sal r. a his brow with a hand rendered unsteady by a mental coa- vulsion. He was thinking of bis hat lifting experience. True to schedule, the procession Passed the hotel at'five. Bands we playing, people were shouting, ban- ners were waving, and legions of mounted and foot soldiers in brilliant array cl . The Jo y gorgeou 3 in which were seated the men who failed to make th: ent of Mr. Blithers a conspicuous success. rince Robin sat in the royal coach, faced by two unbending officers of the Royal Guard. He was alone on the rear seat, and his brown, han.l- some face was aglow with smiles. In- stead of a hat of silk, he lifted a gay and far from immaculate conception in straw; instead of a glittering uni- form, he wore a sult of blue serge and & peculiarly American tie crimson hue. He looked more like a popular athlete returning from conquests abroad than a@ prince Of ancient iino- age. But the crowd cheered ‘tanif joarse over this bright-faced young. ster who rode by in @ coach of gold and brandished a singularly unregai chapea His alert eyes were searching tho crowd along the street, in the bal- conies and windows with an eager in- tensity. He was looking for the Sweet familiar face of the loveliest girl on earth and knew that he looked in vain, for even though sho was one among the many her features would be obscured by an impenetrable veil. If she were there he wondered what her thoughts might be on beholding the humble R. Schmidt in the role of &@ royal prince receiving th tions of the loving multitu Passing the Roegengetz, his eyes swept the rows of cheering people banked upon its wide terrace and verandas. He saw Mr. and Mrs, Blithers well down in front and for & second his heart seemed to stand still, Would she be with them? It was with a distinct sensation of r he realized that she was not with the ling Americans. Mr, Biithers Waved his hat and, In- stead of shouting the incomprehen: ble greeting of the native spectators, called out in vociferous tones: ee home! Welcome! Hur- rah! As the coach swerved into the cir- ele and entered the great, tree lined avenue followed by the clattering chorus of four thousand horseshoes, Mrs, Blithers, after a final glimpse of the disappearing coach, sirhed pro- foundly, shook out her har lkerchief from the crumpled ball sho had made of it with her nervously clenched fin- gers, touched her lips with it and aid: ‘Oh, what a remarkably handsome, manly hoy he is, Will!” Mr. Blithers nodded his head proudly. “He certainly is, ll bet my head that Maud is crazy about him already. She can't help it, Lou. That trip on the Jupiter was a God- send. from her.” said Mrs. Blithers anx- fously. “Don't you worry,” sald he, “She'll turn un safe and sound and enthust- atic before ahe’s a week older, We'll have plain safline from now on, Low CHAPTER X11. A Visit to the Castle. %. BLITHERS indeed expert- enced plain sailing for the ensuing twenty hours. It was not until just before he set forth at two o'clock the next afternoon to attend, by special appointment, a meeting of the Cabinet in the council chamber of the Castle that he encountered the first symptom is ahead gent his seer Castle with a brief note suggesting an early conference It naturally would be of an informal character, as there was no present business before them. The contracts had already been signed by the Government and by his authorized agents. So far as the loan was concerned there was nothing more to be said. Everything was settled. True, it was still necessary to conform to a certain custom by having the Prince aff x his signature id to the contract over the (ireat Seal of State, but as he previously had Bigned an agreement in New York this brief act was of a more or less perfunctory nature. The deposit of bonds by the State and Its people would follow in course of time, as prescribed by contract, and Mr. Billthers was required to place in the Bank of Graustark, on such and such @ date, the sum of three million pounds sterling. Every- body was satisfied with the terms of the contract. Mr. Blithers was to get what really amounted to nearly nine per cent. on a gilt-edged investment, and Graustark was to preserve its Integrity and retain its po ons. ‘There was @ distant cloud on the financial horizon, however, a vague low at present—but prophetic of It was perfectly clear to the es that when these bonds ma- tured Mz, Blithers would be ir a position to exact payment, and as ars from date he was ilkely to be pretty much allve and kicking when the hour of they matured in twelve reckoning arrived. Mr, Blithers was in the mood to be amiable. He anticipated considerable Halting the ancient halle prospective grandchildren, Dur- foreoeon be had taken s motor pleasure in v of his ta6, aves Ought to Say Sond 8 te FO melee “What's the grievance!” Ltd Mr, Blithers, bluntly. He was into familiar waters now, “What's the matter with Dawsbergen? “Not rate eaid Lazear hastily. a “Why not let ‘em withdraw?” sald ‘without them.” ‘There was a general uplifting of heads at the use of the pronoun and ‘a morg fixed concentration of gaze. dare eay you are already ao- quainted with desire on the part of Dawebergen to form an alliance in which Axphian can Rare pe part,” or words, it has been the desire of both Daws- bergen and Graustark to perfect a matrimonial alliance that may ce- ment the fortunes of the two coun- tries" —= ‘Count Quinnox, mentioned eome- sootg of thing of the sort,” interrupted Mr, Biithers. “But suppose thie matri- monial alliance doean't come who would be the sufferer, 3 or Daws- bergen? Whom will it benefit the most?” here was moment's ailence. Doubtless it had never occurred to tho Ministry to speculate on the point. “Dawabergen is a rich, powerful country,” sald Romano, “We will be the gainera by such an alliance, Mr. Blithers.” “L don’t go much on alliances,” eald the capitalist. “I believe in keeping out of them if poesible.” “T seo,” eald the Baron reflectively. There was another silence, Then: “It has come to our notice in & most direct manner that the Prince of Dawsbergen feels that his friendly consideration of a proposal made by our Government some years ago being disregarded in a manner can hardly nything but humilia! ing to him, not only as a sovereign but as @ father.” ‘He's the one who has the mar- riageable daughter, eh? I had really forgotten the nam The Baron leaned forward, atill tap- ping the table-top with his long, slim Angers. ‘he report that Prince Robin is to bys your daughter, Mr, Blithers, onl n Fe years there has bee underatanding that the Crown Pri cess of Dawsbergen and the Prince of ride about the city with Mrs. Blithers, accompanied by a guide who creatod history for them with commendable chest? Above all things, were they smiling at the corpulent part of him that preceded the re: to the big blocks you have acquired in London, Paris and Berlin,’ “Want to know what | bought them ired Mr, Bilthera rrr] of his body, en experienced atri sivings In respect to parental loges later on. After what appeared to him to be an interminabie iength of time, but in reality no more than a few seconda, @ tall man,arose from his seat and advanced with outstretched hand. Mr, Bilthers recognized Count Quin- nox, the Minister of War. that friendly hand with a fervor that must have surprised the Count. Never in all his life had he been so glad to He never had felt so conspicuous in his life, nor so certain that he was out Uments and museums, them in @ confidential undertone that He also toid you have it. Invest- Your credit is sound resources unquestioned, nda gilt edge, the opportunity to take a few dollars out of Wall Street uncertainties and ‘em into something absolutely Groo—gras—er — Groostock bonds are pretty safe things to have jying in @ safety vault in these times of financial unrest, pretty a#olld fortune for my family— that ia to say, for my daughter and sensible business man—and | cfaim to be one—looks Railroads are all jong as you are alive and y Is after you are dead that they fail to do what is expéted of them, ge into the ple and you ean never tell what they'll pull out in their greedi- in due time—and with a jeart—to a small antecham- ber, he was told to sit down and wait, He sat down very promptly. other house he would have sauntered around, looking at the emblems, cre: and shields that hung upon the wa But nosy he sat and wondered. wondered whether thi: jam W. Blithers. the Prince was to marry a beautiful American girl and that the peopie were enchanted with the prospect! That sly bit of information replized ten dollars for him at the end of the trip, aside from his customary fee. The first shock to the placidity of ame with the brief note his request for an in The Lord Cham. Was this one of the richest men In the world—this fellow sitting here with his hands folded tightly across his waistcoat? He was forced to admit that it was and at the same time it wasn't. The attendant rerurned and he was ushered into a second chamber, at the opposite end of which was a large, imposing door—closed. door stood a slim, erect figure in the red, blue and gold uniform of an of- ficer of the Castle guard, Bulthers approached this rigid figure, he recognized a friend and a warm glow pervaded his heart. be no mistaking the smart mustache and supercilious eyebrows. Lisutenant Dank. “How do you do? sald Mr. Blithers. “Glad to see you again.” sounded unnatural. formal oonterance. “How are you, My Lord?" sald the They create & berlain curtly informed him that the Cabinet would be ingsession at two, and would be pleased to grant him an audience of half an hour, depending on his prompiness in appearing. Mr. Blithers was not accustomed to being granted audiences. into the habit of having them thrust It irritated him tremen- dously to have any one measure time xcellently well, Mr, Blithers,” re- her children, never better,” ahead, my lords, ‘vunt's hand aroater heartiness than before. n't it a pleasant Mrs, Blithers this er seen a pleas morning that 1 wish we could hear something “Let me introduce you to my col- Mfer in the shape of an lavestnaus than the bonds of a nation tha debt of less t couldn't do that for him, And here was a whipper-snapper Lord Cham- berlain telling him that the Cabinet would grant him half an hour! managed to console himself, however, with the thought that matters would s be as they were at pres- There would be a decided change 4, of tune later on, It would be folly to undertake the depiction of Mr. Blithers's first im- Sastle and its glories, To begin with, mall amount of his as- surance when he discovered that the great gates .a the wall surrounding the park were guarded by resp! ragoons who politely demanded his After the officer in charge had inspected the Lord Chamberlain's Pi s if he had never seen one be- he ceremoniousty indicated to a the gates were to "be was a great clanking nains, the drawing of iron bolts, the whirl of a windlass and the pon- derous gtes swung slowly ajar. Blithers caught and from that instant until he found the great hall in the wake of an attendant delegated to conduct him to the council cham- ber his sensations are not to be de- It is only necessary to say that he was in a reverential con: tion, and that in fifty million dolla: As a citizen of a republic whose ni tional debt is nearly a billion, I co! I can't see how you've man- aged no well.” “Happy, I'm sure,” mumbled Mr, To save his life he couldn't tell what had got into him, He had never acted like this before, The Count was names of dukes, counts and barons, and Mr, Blithers was bowing pro- foundly to each in turn, fered to shake hands with him, al- though each rose politely, even gra- They even ami membered that very well They smiled kindl He suddenly rea infinitesimal, Blithers, that I daresay we could be lost in the smallest of your States,” anid Baron Romano, with a smile. “Rhode Island is pretty small,” Mr, He extended his salute, bowed slightly but without a smile, and then threw open the door. pressions of the h inside and out. “It is most gratifying to Graustark to know that you value our securl- ly as a leg Count Lazzar, suavely. ture the hope, howeve may be prolonged beyond the term of their existence? ein very few years—a dozen, in fact." hang on that a little more He was saying to himself lows were not #0 bad, till one never knows, My daughter nounced, and stood aside to let th , almost benignly. ized What had got It waa respect. said the white who was called Will you sit here, Pray forgive our de- We were en- A number of men were seated about & long table in the centre of this im No one arose as Mr, lithers entered the room and stopped Just Inside the door. He heard it close gently behind him. that your lite haired, gaunt m wing cl er. ing chamber. Baron Romano, lay in admitting you, Kaged in a rather serious discussion | He was at a loss ary to the didn't know whether he just inside the door fingering h like a messenger boy, or go forward and join the group. upon a huge oaken chair at the far end of the table, unoccupied seat thi scope of his ri He could not as Blithers, magnanimously, tartoriog with may be dead in a year, ~—but, of course, you will pardon me if I don’t go into my private affairs. I foar I have already said too much,” “On the contrary, sir, we are all only too willing to be edified. The workings of an intelligence such as yours cannot fall to be of interest to us who are so lacking in the power to cope with gre confess to @ selfish motive in asking you about your methods of—er—in- said the Minister of Fin- Mr. Bilithers failed to see that he was shrewdly being led up to « matter that was of more importance to Graustark just then than anything along financial lines. “Lam only too willing, my lorda, to give you the benefit of my experience. Any questions that you may care to ask, I'll be glad to answer to the best It is only natural that ould take @ great personal in- tereat in Graustark from now on want to see the country on the boom, I want to see it taking advantage all the opportunities that—er—come 4 His gaze fell apy important busi- fent—my lords? If go, ji his breath— |, Mr. Blithers, It was the only came within the ir limited vision. anything beyond the table and the impassive group that surrounded it, Mmself crossing Sure I'm not taking any one's “A secretary's, sir. find another.” Blithers sat down. rather pleased to find that the bi chair was not meant for him, swift intuition told him that it was reserved for the country’s ruler. Pgince signed the contracts before you arrived, Mr. ers," suid Baron Romano. affixed to each of the docu- ments, and your copy is ready for delivery at any time.” He can readily Was tt possible chair was intended for how small and nificant he would look upon It. had a ghastly notion that his feet would not touch the floor, and went so far as to venture the hope there would round somewhere about m undertakings, certain bom- bastic confidence in himself gave way He was in a new He was cognizant of a dis- ngation of awe, to mellow timidit His ruthless came a mincing, sould not con- the absurd notion that he ought to tip-toe his Way about these an- cient halls with thelr thick, velvety rugs and whispering shadows. about him was pomp, It was in the Ho had appeared before the inquisi- torial committees in the United States Senate and had not been oppressed by the ponderous gravity of the in had faced the Be) ators without a tremor of awe. had even regarded them with a con- fidence equal if not superior to their But now he faced a calm, im- passive group of men who seemed to strip him down to the flesh with piercing luterest, were in no sense impressed by what “You may send it to the at any time to-morrow, it” of my ability. visible and invisible. great stairw Then he made haste to explain. "Not that it ls really necessary, but just as a matter of form, Besides, it gives the lawyers something to do," went an Investigating glance around "The Prince has retired,” said the divining the does not remain for the disc: Slancing at the huge old cloc! the door, the Prime Minister assumed most busines: ify you to know that three-fourths of the bonds have been deposited, Mr. Blithers, and the re- mainder will be gathered in during Holders living in remote corners of our country have not as yet been able to reach us with their A week will give them y, the vaulted ceilings, the haughty pillars, over all of which was the sheen of poswed his c an age that sur- aprehension, Rigid ser~ 1 his progress through ces—men with grim, un- a He know, without see- this huge pile wa: with noble lor Gallantry and beauty to mock him with their serene indifference! pointers that William W. Blithers can give you In respect to your railways apd mines—and your general policy, I hope you won't hesitate about asking.” The Prime Minister tapped reflec- tively upon the table top with his fingers for 4 moment or two, “Thank you,” he said. this very moment in quandary in respect to the renewal of a treaty with one of our neighbors. For the past twenty years we have been in alliance with our next door neighbors, Axphain on the north and Dawabergen on the south and east. The triple alliance will end this year Up to the present our relations have been most amiable, Axphain stands ready to extend our Despite his nervousness he respond- ed to the life long habit of calcula- He counted the units in the group in a single, rapid glance found that there were eleven beautiful women were idling or feast He was conscious ence all about him, and shrank slightly as he wondered they were scrutinizing his ungainly He was suddenly ashamed of tight-fitting cutaway coat Really he ought to These garments dignified, unsmiling strongers to the arrogance of William W. Something told him at once that he could not spend an informal half hour jomething of a visages, all of them! striped trousers. for his well get a new su were much too small for him, Were ironic eves taking in the fresh creases in those New York trousers? Were they regarding his shimmering patent leather shoes with an intelli- gence that told them that he was In he last hope fed American flickered and died. Ho knew that it would not do to regale them in an informal off-hand way—nas he had planned--with examples of native wit, Reverting to the precise moment of his entrance to the Castle, we find saying to himself that he slightest usp in even hoping that he. might be Invited to “w. usfer his jodgings from the chambers. “I may safely say that all the bonds will be In o: Tuesday at the latest,’ inter of the Treasury. He w ascetic man; hi unless renewed. hands by next eaid the Min- term of years, but Daws- bergen is lukewarm and inclined to When you become better acquainted with the politica of our will understand how much he weighed and why he didn't unbutton his coat when he must have known that It would look better if it t Pinch him so tightly across the gets to the royal bed. Graustark were one day to be wedded to each other, You will admit that the present reports are somewhat distressing to him and unquestion- ably so to the Crown Princess.” Mr. Billithera settled back in his chair, “It seems to ‘me that he is oe ing ® mountain out of a mole- Baron Romano shrant “It devolves upon me, sir, as spokes- man for the Ministry, the court and the people of Graustark, to inform you that marriage between our Prince and any other than the Crown Princess of Dawabergen is not to be considered as ible. Port, Blithers stared. “Hasn't the Prince any voice in the matter? he ded. Yes. Ho han already denied, som what publicly, that he is not contem- plating marriage with your daugh- ter. He has had a voive in that mat- ter at least.” A fine molature started out on the purplish brow of Mr, Blithers, Twen- ty-two eyes were upon him, He real- ized that he was not attending an in- formal conference. He had been brought here for a deliberate purpose. “T may be permitted the privilege of reminding you, my lords, that his denial was no more emphatic than that expressed by my daughter,” he id, with real dignity, “We have accepted her statement 8 final, but it is our earnest desire that the minds of the people be set at rest,” said the Baron gravely. rt cerely trust that you will appreciate our position, Mr, Blithers, It ie not our desire or intention to offend in this matter, but we believe it to be only fair and just that we should un- derstand each other at the outset. The impression is afoot that"—— ‘My lord 4 Mr, Biithers, ria- ing, hin ft auddenly pale, ‘T leave to assure you that my daugh- ter's happiness ts of far more impor- pag tance to me than all the damned principalities in the world. Just « moment, please. I apologize for the oath—but I mean ft, just the same. T do not resent your attitude, nor do I resent your haste in conveying to me your views on the subject, It may be diplomacy to go straight to a question and get it over with, but it isn’t al- ways diplomatic to go off half-cocked, I will say, with perfect candor, that should like to my daughter the Princens of Gi ark, bul “I want you to understand that her own wishes in the matter are to gov- ern ming in the end. I have had this marriage in mind; there's no use deny- ing it. TI have schemed to bring these two young people together with @ sin- gle object in view. I knew that if they saw enough of each other they would fall in love, and they would want the happiness that love brings to all people. Just a moment, Baron! I want to say to you now, all of you, that If my girl should love your Prince and he should love ber fa ye there isn’t a power below heaven tha! mm apart. it doesn't keep them a - e should be unlucky wh him hange before he could hi TH adinit that I have count on seeing all of pe fepes, te pons and ne aly od ungled the thing pretty badl = ause I'm a loving, selfish father—but, y lords, since you hi brought me jere to tell me that it is im ible for my girl to marry your Prince, I will say to you, here and now, that If they ever love each other and want to get married, I'll see to it that it isn't im- possible, You issue an ultimatum to me in plain words, ao I'll submit one to you, in equally plain words. I intend to leave this matter catirely, to my daughter ong rueee ng =~ ae to do the deciding, s0 concerned. And if they decide that they love each other and want tos ‘ married, they will get mar make myself perfectly plain, my lords?” ‘The dignified Ministry of Graustark sat agape. With his concluding words ¥ Mr. Blithers deposited his fist upon as ly—she the table with @ heavy ey: Os Sor thoaghs betore, At the Regengets a be in Bdehweise if fascinated, every eye shit from his face to the white knuckles of that resolute hand, Baron Romano also rose. “You place us in the extremely distressing posi- tion of being obliged to 0 band ot a ‘benstactor, hr Mr, Biithers, “We can get along for es bs narry?” = 2 confess that il? wegl? ibis ay, submit that ther an improbability jecide to marry dictates of uis heart and ake Bilthers seat ingly. that he will marry the innox and on ces. i H A j tins en 5 i § F ba ag ag re “May I inquire, Count Quin Ld vanything of the prostes | Prince Robin‘ aw “I can only surmise,” “Hae—has he whom he feels a—er—an int “Yeu,” "May we have the conclusions?” said ba. “I am not at Lang fhe i Mr. Bitthers ‘ands upon the table. ho met after leaving New York?” wat ont ahaa leaned forward, dip. Blithera,” said thi his jaws resolutely. him in consternation. hen, had o lear of triumph shot tate eyes of Mr. Bilithers. His himeelf awelled. He fel! safe, solid z a a i ft is nearly twenty-o1 On her twenty-fifth bi b oldings in Graustark. aa she seen At with me to wish you all good day, You may send the contrac! hotel, Baron, I ex; the city for some As he traversed the vi his way to the outer ‘again overcome by ¢ heigl & 1 ates 8 s, | ii zE is gs ‘i out upon him from treats, Again bi Atted bim too tightly and that waistoost was pain: He hurried a bit. had his way about Vs would bay hted a big cigar and threw burnt-out match upon the flagstones of the terrace. ted the act on the instant. He he bad not thrown it there. solemn grooms ing he would have picked it atuck It into bis pocket for on the less hallowed stones of fare. the gates he hom t contentment. road, watch and pried open the cass, luxurious ree felt that his a Maud. She ren lovelier than aud ie reeds