Now the pestilence of that year was stayed by a bitter winter, and snow lay deep even in the forest, and great blocks of ice littered the shore of the bleak sea.  And in the depth of the winter, when it drew near the Nativity, there came riding to the monastery a stranger, who asked to see the Prior.  When the Prior looked into the man's face the tears started and ran down his own, and he opened his arms to him, and drew him to his breast and kissed him.  For this was indeed the Lost Brother.  And when he had thus given him welcome, the Prior said: "I ask no questions; what you can tell me you shall tell when the fitting time comes.  But this is your home to have or to leave, for you are as free as the winds of heaven."