The words "racket," "sauntering," and "smirked" suggest that the narrator considers the adventure a joke. "Racket" conveys a sense of noise or commotion that is exaggerated, while "sauntering" implies a casual and carefree approach to the mysterious gates, and "smirked" indicates a playful or mocking attitude towards the potentially scary situation. Overall, these words contribute to a lighthearted and humorous tone, indicating that the narrator is not genuinely afraid but rather amused by the spooky atmosphere. Therefore, the correct response is:
They imply the narrator considers the adventure a joke.