Don's lucky in two ways, I guess. In addition to his shelling
"bonanza," CONCH-L just had a protracted discussion about rotting
snail flesh so he should know how to handle the problem.
On the other hand, if the well-known Polynesian appitite for
shell-flesh (get it?! shell-flesh -- shellfish!) kicks in, his
neighbors might kick in his door and make off with much of his
"booty" to throw in a fire for roasting and subsequent consumption.
I believe smashing the shell with a stone is the preferred manner
of opening.
Good Luck, Don!
makuabob (a.k.a. Bob Dayle)