In the following passage some of the words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.

A young man walks toward me with a stick slung across his back and a (1)______ of sheep at his feet, which carry him down the path (2)_____ a crowd of rowdy children. An older man follows, weatherworn but still (3)____, a rifle over his left shoulder. He clicks his tongue to (4)_____ the flock. Behind him are two women on horses; I guess (5)_____ are his wife and daughter.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.

strong

In the sentence -  An older man follows, weatherworn but still ___, a rifle over his left shoulder, the missing word is being used to show contrast between weatherworn and strength.

Thus, the best choice for the blank will be strong.