(Strip Number 4124, Original Publication Date, 29 January 1982)
Panel 1: We start things off with Elly telling a delighted Michael that she brought him a sea shell; she then says he should hold it to his ear.
Panel 2: She then asks if he can hear the sound of the sea; he says yes.
Panel 3: He then disappoints her by asking where they put the batteries.
Summary: A normal mother would either smile a little before explaining that batteries aren't needed because the shell's insides amplify and distort the sounds he's hearing to create an auditory illusion. Elly will sit and moan about how awful it is that Mike says things like this.