Answer: A person who has been working in a coal mine.
Explanation:
The author's choice of words in the passage, specifically describing the character's face as "still black with coal dust" and his eyes as "red-rimmed," creates a vivid mental image of a person who has been working in a coal mine. The coal dust suggests a layer of dark residue covering his face, indicating a demanding and dirty job. The red-rimmed eyes may imply fatigue, strain, or possibly irritation from the work environment. Additionally, the mention of the character wearing only a thin singlet in the icy cold suggests challenging working conditions and the toughness of the individual enduring such harsh elements. Overall, the mental image conveyed is one of a hardworking individual in a labor-intensive and challenging setting.
