about fifteen minutes past noon
By this time nearly every officer and man ashore believed that the Mexican general at Vera Cruz had decided not to offer resistance . If so , he had undoubtedly received his instructions from Mexico City . More minutes dragged by . At about fifteen minutes past noon , shots rang out ahead . `` The engagement is starting , '' Dan exclaimed eagerly to his chum . `` The shots are so few in number , and come so irregularly , that probably only a few Mexican hotheads are shooting , '' Dave hinted , quietly . `` Troops , going into action , do n't fire in that fashion . ''