The words "racket," "sauntering," and "smirked" impact the paragraph’s overall meaning by suggesting that the narrator is hiding their fear. The term "racket" can indicate chaos or noise that may be unsettling, while "sauntering" implies a relaxed demeanor that may be masking anxiety. "Smirked" suggests a facade of confidence, possibly to cover up any underlying fear. Together, these words create an impression that the narrator might be trying to appear brave or unfazed in a potentially frightening situation. Therefore, the correct response would be:
They imply the narrator is hiding their fear.