The Atlantic Puzzler

By Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon

DIARY OF A MADMAN

The account below, which seems to consist of fragments from the diary of a madman, actually comprises the 20 Across clues to this month’s puzzle. The clues are not in proper diagram order; solvers can determine their placement in the grid by using the Down answers as guides. All punctuation in the diary is mere dressing, and should be disregarded. The puzzle’s answers include 8 proper nouns; one Across word (the 14th clued in the diary) is not a familiar one.

The solution to last month’s Puzzler appears on page 125.

ACROSS

February 2: Turned myself in (scandal!). Unfortunately, I’d flipped, going bonkers. Upset with doctor. . . argued about taking “Love Cup”—stuff containing narcotics.

Wed., March 1: On board bloody white slaver, in hold of ship. I’m padlocked securely and don’t eat. Boxed with Pole; Russian is coming in.

March 7th: Heaven! Awful rough sea for me, a famous general! On one side of ship, dope’s distributed.

Sat., All Fools’ Day: Pilot of craft is heading for an island off the coast of Italy. At sea, spray reveals husky sperm whale. Catch a great many, one time missing black one.

Fri., May 20: Mad about mediocre home

for Napoleon. Having fit about crowded island. Must have valet, chapeau!

Sun., August 1: Restrained by ten men dressed in white ... a sedative . . . comfort . . .

DOWN

1. Bad press about first-class extras

(6)

2. Kitty atop mountain, on a tree (7)

3. Planets in conjunction on the fifth of October (Saturday) (4)

4. Crash into separate embankment (7)

5. Inside Maine hotel, I noted mouse

(6)

6. Like whitish powder for a fling (4)

7. Scold class (4)

8. Get rid of article in Gaelic (5)

9. Had a meal in room I had set up (5)

10. Castle in Spain is ready to be renovated in construction project (8)

11. Attic’s strangely still (6)

12. Auto has scratch mark covering the left side (8) (2 words)

13. Climb a trail (6)

14. Artist can make picture like so (7)

15. Knotted string art and stuff found in West (7)

16. Makeup for welcomer? (6)

17. Caught in deal that’s crooked (6)

18. Place for hiding, say, money (5)

19. Frighten Capone with weapon (5)

20. Unprecedented spot? (4)

21. Sharp wail (4)

22. Arguments in favor of big-time athletes (4)

Note: The instructions above are for this month’s puzzle only. It is assumed that you know how to decipher clues. For a complete introduction to clue-solving, write to The Atlantic Reprint Department, 8 Arlington Street, Boston, Mass. 02116, enclosing a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Answers to the September Puzzler,

“ABSOLUTELY!”

The diagram admitted no ifs, ands, or buts.

Across. 1. SCAR-A-B 5. B(ILL)ET 10. ANNE (hidden) 11. CLAN-DESTINE 12. DANDIFIED (anag.) 13. SALAMANDER (anag.) 14. DI-STORT (rev.) 17. E(NCO)RE 19. MAN-DARIN (drain anag.) 20. DENTIFRICE (anag.) 22. BRISTLED (anag.) 26. RE(BUTT)ED 28. REC(K)ON (anag. + k) 30. PLAIN-TIFF 32. SERIALS (homophone) 33. SEAL (double def.) 34. S(LICK)EST (Tess anag.) 35. TRI(BU)TE 36. BE(A-K)ER 37. MESONS (anag.) Down. 1. S-ADDER 2. BU(TANE)S (neat anag.) 3. RED BUTT(ON)S 4. A-C-CORD 5. BE-A-TEN 6. I-SLAM 7. LA-ND T(A)X 8. LIMERICK 9. BUTTER KNIFE (anag.) 15. INGRES(s) 16. BANDI(COO)T 18. C(RITE-R)IA 21. RA(CIS)TS (rev.) 22. BR(ASS B)AND (bass anag.) 23. LAP-LANDER (pun) 24. D(EBUT) ANTE (tube rev.) 25. SNIF-FLES (fins rev. + self rev.) 27. DRAKE (double def.) 29. PICK (double def.) 31. N(ER)o