"A hamburger steak is a hamburger steak, whether it is alive or not!" "I tell you, this may not be a Rak," persisted Files.

"We will know, when the cloud gets nearer, whether it is the breath of a Rak or not.
If it has no smell at all, it is probably a fog; but if it has an odor of salt and pepper, it is a Rak and we must prepare for a desperate fight." They all eyed the dark cloud fearfully.

Before long it reached the frightened group and began to envelop them.

Every nose sniffed the cloud--and every one detected in it the odor of salt and pepper.
"The Rak!" shouted Private Files, and with a howl of despair the sixteen officers fell to the ground, writhing and moaning in anguish.
Queen Ann sat down upon a rock and faced the cloud more bravely, although her heart was beating fast.

As for Files, he calmly loaded his gun and stood ready to fight the foe, as a soldier should.
They were now in absolute darkness, for the cloud which covered the sky and the setting sun was black as ink.