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.''