Wall Street Journal Crossword

February 1, 2024

Mike Shenk

(Title shown below)

 

What unusual construction do you see in the crossword section below, and can you think of a clever clue to explain it? Compare your answer to the constructor's - which is shown below the answer. 

[Spaced for clarity]

 

ICE R I  N K

           R U E

       C A K E

   H O T E  L

   D R E S  S

 

Answer:

 

If you eliminate the letters INK, the down words are still valid words (RATE, UKES, EELS).

Constructor's revealing clue:

Medium for secret messages - Disappearing ink

Puzzle title: VANISHING ACT