A Sound Decision
by Kegler

By exercising 25 Across, differently each time, the solver must convert ten answers into new words prior to entry.

Across 1 In retreat, army's leader captures ancient city 6 “ABCs”? “ABCs” is wrong 12 Prate nonsensically, but have a point 13 Stare, turning page 15 For the most part, observe logical operator 16 Abnormal somewhat for a Luger, ridiculously recoiling 17 Select the French relish ingredient 19 Impromptu facade uses travertine 20 Stories about a hospital in a city in Pakistan 22 Irritated husband interrupted, spilling decaf 24 Imitative selection, back to front 25 See instructions 27 Bachelor with ring... 29 ...initially serenades attractive girl; extremely wise 31 Proving wrong official at Union Station initially stepped out 34 Teddy Roosevelt welcomes a sailor 35 Master chef's meat unsatisfactory, ditzy blond admitted (2 wds) 38 One who blindly follows single Dickens character 40 Sticky stuff ultimately clogged well 41 Checks back about pitcher, one firing bullets 42 UFO's core melted, certainly (2 wds) 43 Reportedly consider cheese-making byproduct

Down 1 Dot's second drink 2 Father, hair pulled back, is an outcast 3 Strong odor from waterway behind cabin's entrance 4 Villa guest has shivering fit 5 Colombian city blanket protecting cold, colorful feline (2 wds) 7 Shockingly far out hairstyle 8 Government office determined to accommodate area 9 Having eligibility for coverage (including Jeff, not Jack) withdrawn is very hard to take 10 Lawman's color 11 Led astray after sending up missiles, favor opposing views 14 Note young man accepting greeting with style 18 “Wild Orchid”, flop for adults only? 21 Northern law enforcement agency shortly returns letters from Philip McRae 23 Dogs, e.g., walk backwards 24 Couples from Europe nurture chef, one lacking certain equipment? 25 Hitchcock film's short version I got redistributed 26 Learn about Hall of Fame capturing attention (2 wds) 27 Stop running with nobleman 28 Puts on Mafia leaders 30 Balkan country's section of filigree ceiling 32 Trunk's gnarled roots 33 Swollen, like a magic dragon? 36 My bad interminable parody turned up 37 Top-notch rare melody 39 Discussed Mr. Grant's cut

Solution