On the crowded pavement there was little chance of his attracting their notice, and he was anxious if possible to catch a word or two of their conversation.
He tried to avoid large crowds, not caring to hear or see them.
mnli hypothesis: He tried to avoid large crowds, not caring to hear or see them. premise: On the crowded pavement there was little chance of his attracting their notice, and he was anxious if possible to catch a word or two of their conversation.