PUZZLING Add-Across-Tic

It’s not very easy to say something apocalyptic in four six-letter words, but this is my entry in the sweepstakes. Without doubt, ERRANT NATURE BEGETS PUZZLE would have been a better statement, but I defy anyone to make the lines with the Z’s come out!



Instructions:

The words for each column are defined in random order, and they are not necessarily all the same number of letters. Solve the clues for column R. Then arrange theanswers so that their last letters reading down make a six-letter word. Enter the answers in that order in column R and enter their last letters in the rightmost column of boxes.

Now solve the column M clues. Each answer will correspond to one in column R, containing all the same letters plus one extra that will have been added. (Example: If an answer in column R were REINS, the answer in column M might be RINSED, and the additional letter would be a D.) Enter each column M answer on the same line as its column R source word, and fill in the box between the two answers with the added letter. When column M is completed, the column of boxes between M and R, reading down, will make another six-letter word.

Next solve column L. These answers are derived by adding across from column M as before, with added letters entered in the boxes between enlarged words and source words. Enter the first letter of each column L answer in the leftmost column of boxes. (Using the previous example, the answer for column L might be INSIDER and both the initial letter and added letter boxes would have an I.)

When all the answers have been deciphered and entered correctly, the four columns of boxes will yield the promised apocalyptic statement. Of course, you may equally well start with column L and move right ward by subtracting letters.

Each clue indicates the answer in more than one way. In addition to straightforward definitions, clues may also contain puns, plays on words, anagrams (“The ability to lead people in confusion is a charm” – CHARISMA), or embedded spellings (“How it zeroes in distinguishes a cannon”). Another common type of clue is word construction, where the answer is built of component parts. Example: “American leader required identification in gift” (PRESIDENT = I.D. inside PRESENT).

All abbreviations are acceptable as long as they are in current usage (e.g., TV, p.d.q., etc.). Isolated letters may be indicated in a variety of ways – as compass points, Roman numerals, grades or scores (A,F, “zero” = O, “love” as in tennis = O), musical notations (P,F for soft or loud respectively). Parts of words may be used (IVE or just V might be indicated by “MidwIVEs”).

The one paramount rule is that the clue sentence, with a little repunctuation, will tell exactly how to get the answer.

Note: One clue answer is a proper name.



Send the completed puzzle (or reasonable facsimile) to Puzzling, D Magazine, 1925 San Jacin-to, Dallas, Texas 75201. All correct solutions will be held for one week after receipt of the first entry, at which time a drawing will take place to determine the winners. First winner will receive a $25 cash prize. Runner-up will receive a free one-year subscription to D. Winners and completed puzzle will appear in the June issue.