CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

6 Group of soldiers that may protect judge in fiery situation? (5,2,6)

8 British character of old sent to

India or another country (6) 9 Means of communicating

protracted greeting (4,4) 10 Slide or jump, but not quietly (3) 11 Someone full of energy needs to

eat a bit reportedly (6) 12 Objection to solution to clue?

Please say nothing! (3,1,4) 14 Report of joints at back of pub

creating rows (7)

16 There’s rumbling – fifty will go

inside refuge (7)

20 Wandering round abroad, the

Parisian is charming (8) 23 Approaching sign within

hospital? (6)

24 Idiot in religious service

losing head (3)

25 Endless lament by newspaper employee, one wanting money (8) 26 Returning in flashy car, I propose unauthorised activity (6) 27 They may help folk get things

off their chest (13)

DOWN

1 Keep mum at home? Isn’t to be

kept in (8)

2 Lady needing end of wall hidden has installed screen, as recommended (8)

3 Not connected, like the one that

got away? (3-4)

4 Instrument in my bag (6)

5 Pet that may be on lead in front

– gosh! (6)

6 Merry and deranged drunk gets manipulated politically (13) 7 Rows after areas have dried up

due to climate change? (5-8) 13 Drink Aileen’s regularly

taken (3)

15 Greek character in separatist

organisation (3)

17 Popular nightclubs, potentially

dangerous places (3,5) 18 ‘Look!’, you and I call,

sinking (8)

19 Pounds obtained for working

found out (7)

21 The German turned up to take part and prepare for presentation (6)

22 Like something pungent?

Crooner captures it (6)