Instructions: Guess the words defined by the cryptic clues (answers vary in length from four to eleven letters, and six are capitalized) then enter them in the grid one after another in the same order as their clues, starting in the upper left corner. Across words that don't end at the right continue on the next row, and down words that don't end at the bottom continue in the next column. Eleven across words and ten down words won't fit in the grid unless one of their letters is omitted. Those twenty-one letters, taken in order as they occur in across and down words, spell a seven-word message related to the mystery entry. Thanks to Kevin Wald for test-solving and editing this puzzle. (If you are having trouble printing these puzzles, you can download an Adobe Acrobat version of the puzzle and grid).

1. Chemical secretion provoked by more confusion in speech sound
2. Surfeit I leave in place
3. Writer returned film about batter with no degree
4. Require the French pointer
5. Command of word; erudition
6. The top came off
7. It's more insane to join
8. Catch headless gastropod
9. Charged particles, as in one endless jumble
10. Sick, tired, without energy for pornography
11. Curved line hit, making great run
12. Urged and pleaded before bishop left
13. French movie star from outskirts of Tahiti
14. Initially low quality for a bush
15. Red-yellow covering of stain
16. So king is unwell
17. Rabbi in taxi is a grouch
18. Unruly tot goes inside truck for tool
19. Previously okay
20. Cycle of many earths
21. Dancing star's tricks
22. Prisoner holding large tool
23. Cessation of most operations
24. Animal ate under cover
25. Appearance and evolution of the peony after start of paleolithic

1. Polite English chemist managed to get up and grab one
2. Otter digested cake
3. Stella has to confess
4. Babes losing heads for yokels
5. Fellow with ancient pen
6. Noisy shopping center club
7. Cabbage and kicker brew
8. Gibson turned up no fruit
9. Gracefully takes heat
10. Ultimate reality of game with daughter
11. Scooter is carrying comedienne
12. Neurotic about money
13. Left drenched with last of rain
14. Camera shots of Henry in rough topography
15. Seen running in front of band looking disdainful
16. Help first and second alien
17. Overpowered by wrestling pro's speed
18. Leader returned from roaming
19. Frontiersman having a row
20. Current from repaired dynamo
21. Abohar python wrapping around shrew
22. Igneous rock in great upheaval
23. Fish with no part damaged
24. In disaster, upset actor has pet