CRYPTIC CLUES

Across

1. Was not sitting, but was a candidate (5)

4. The escapades of abrasive people? (7) 8. Not diplomatic – military then? (7)

9. These are not genuine fleas (5)

10. Venture into sordid areas (4)

11. Besides, there is a bigger surplus (8) 13. Recent, but not on the dot (4) 14. Deserters return to top the bill (4) 16. Enormous caper on horse-drawn vehicle (8) 17. Current wild animal returned (4) 20. Addition of complex trade figures (5)

21. The crowd grow old, as he is held to ransom (7) 22. Strings of invective about sea-dirt (7) 23. Live like a dunderhead – successfully (5)

Down

1. Sensible decisionmaking based on noise

estimation? (5,8)

2. Happen to be dog led by

officer commanding (5)

3. Take the plunge in a

drinking-den (4)

4. Rarely models (6)

5. Thinks mirrored

thoughts? (8)

6. Friend may assert it's a

long conference (7)

7. Turner on the road (8,5)

12. Not an out-of-the-way

flag (8)

13. Boat the smoker might

miss? (7)

15. Sees spectacles (6)

18. Foliage cut short – don't

touch it (5)

19. Dues are not new (4)