Ernest characterstech from both the great stone face 1 and 2
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Ernest grows up working the fields and playing in the woods of the valley. He becomes a quiet, strong, smart kid, although he has no formal schooling. Ernest spends a good portion of his day in respectful, almost prayerful, contemplation of the Great Stone Face. A famous merchant, Mr. Gathergold, returns to the valley, his childhood home, and raises a magnificent marble mansion. The locals believe he fulfills the prophecy, but when Ernest sees the man, he realizes that Gathergold does not truly resemble the Great Stone Face. To Ernest, Gathergold's face is too sordid and cunning to match the visage in the mountainside.
As an adult, Ernest witnesses another possible candidate return to the valley. This one, a decorated military commander, also lifts the hopes of the valley's inhabitants. While Ernest sees that he has some admirable qualities, Old Blood-and-Thunder fails to capture the benevolence in the gaze of the Great Stone Face. Ernest expects that the prophesied man will be a man of peace, not war. Again, Ernest is disappointed.
Ernest is middle-aged and has become a well-respected preacher. A famous statesman and candidate for the presidency visits the valley, where he was born. While this man's physical resemblance to the Great Stone Face is strong enough that he earns the nickname Old Stony Phiz, Ernest sees the truth and knows that he's not the one from the prophesy. Old Stony Phiz is ''vague and empty'' and lacks ''high purpose.''