No one was near.

He moved so as to let the light of a neighbouring lamp- post shine full on the pavement, as with jubilant face he lifted up his box and disclosed--a pair of new double-soled lace boots! "Them's for _him_," he said, in an excited whisper.
"For him?
Why, Billy, wherever did they come from ?" His grimy face turned up to mine all aglow with pride and triumph as he answered, "Stole 'em!".