Excepting the few cottages where the owners of the horses lived, there was neither castle nor town within twenty miles.
Forced on by these thoughts, he broke the long silence which had existed between him and his father.

He spoke of the value and importance of this spot; could not the Baron send forth his retainers and enclose a new estate there?
There was nothing to prevent him.

The forest was free to all, provided that they rendered due service to the Prince.

Might not a house or castle built there become the beginning of a city?
The Baron listened, and then said he must go and see that a new hatch was put in the brook to irrigate the water-meadow.

That was all.
Felix next wrote an anonymous letter to the Prince pointing out the value of the place.