CROSSWORD

Across 1 Hostile play critics (10) 6 Putting a penny on butter is a swindle (4) 10 Tender proposal (5) 11 Early leaf of nominal importance (5,4)

12 Is it won by the fastest guns in the West? (4,4) 13 Trees for future scrutiny, perhaps (5)

15 They may be responsible for reports from the front (7) 17 Receives and deceives (5,2)

19 The first mate takes the others for a tough climb (7)

21 A fabulous horseman (7) 22 Get involved in someone else’s business (5)

24 If I react strangely, it may be a trick! (8) 27 Cash a cheque and I get a note in exchange (9) 28 A weapon used daily by most people (5) 29 Lively secret agent captures ringleader (4) 30 Drama put right after direction from the author? (10) Down 1 See 2 Down

2 It’s bound to be consulted should the need arise (9,4) 3 Tapestry in France (5) 4 Unusually big task carried out by servicemen (7) 5 It’s beaten by those who are themselves beaten (7)

7 Be of service when a few grow sick (5) 8 Requests put with an attempt at jocularity (10) 9 Is said to be made to order (8)

14 Mere agents might make them (10)

16 The weather for heaters (8)

18 Looking for loose change, sir? (9)

20 A number walk wearily around – it’s hard work (7)

21 A sharp trade practice? (7)

23 He might be understood in code (5)

25 His bed may be sharply pointed (5)

26 Made advances as a matter of interest (4)