BARE BONES

Our Bare Bones Crossword is unique because you have to complete the grid – numbers and squares – as well. We have inserted four black squares and four clue numbers to get you going. The crossword has a four-way symmetry: both top and bottom and left and right match, so you can fill in 12 more squares straight away. There is a prize of a Collins Pocket Thesaurus. Send your solution to: Bare Bones Puzzle No.586, The Irish Mail on Sunday, PO Box 5332, Cardiff Lane, Dublin 2. Entries must arrive by Friday (photocopies not accepted). The winner of Bare Bones No. 585 will be published next week. Across 1 Security workers in a particular part of the tree (Two words) 10 About to put crockery outside to reduce anger 11 Repeat knotting of tie at speed 12 Apply firm pressure to central problem 13 Prisoner to examine the competition 15 Beg for space to put handle 17 Musical right for a car mechanic 21 Family member sends notes with afterthought 25 Delighted to have the name of a biblical priest 26 Argument to change side takes place 27 I would turn to point to difficult reactionary 28 Prepared to stay, doge ordered to start of race (Three words) Down 2 Simple scheme captures his heart 3 Stop making example with energy 4 Aware of later development 5 Persuade bishop with liquid brie 6 Representative time with a book 7 Follow each twist with sadness, initially 8 The picture holds a story 9 Ready to accept Catholic group 14 Regard for the diocese 16 Catch in one trap 17 Exalted figures in the theatre 18 Follow directions and prosecute 19 Noise perceived as excellent 20 Rushes to find some instruments 21 Slide off and move furtively 22 Journalist has soldiers to improve 23 Informed about student jargon 24 Uncovered a painting