Read the sentence from paragraph 8.

Our walk across this frozen lake was not pleasant, as the ground under our feet was evidently hollow, and it sounded as if we were walking on empty barrels.

What effect does the underlined phrase have on the passage?

It highlights the thickness of the ice.

It describes how softly they had to move.

It suggests that the wind was howling loudly.

It emphasizes the discomfort the men experienced.