CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Those who release the greyhounds, or mules (8)

7. Is beneath bending the elbow (5)

8. Doesn’t go with the 12 (7)

9. Sort of horse a pig will stand on (7)

10. Probably the second half is skilfully rendered (4)

12. Die, sure that what’s left will be changed (7)

14. May be rumpled or have the fold pressed in (7)

17. What duellist used to keep eye on, backing out of it (4)

18. Sustains, as does Atlas the world? (7)

21. Odd dog incurs notes of debt (7)

22. No return in the coach? That’s an extra (5)

23. Holy books have an afterthought that changes (8)

DOWN

1. It could be margarine that’s quite a feast (6)

2. At entering mole, I’m first to offer it in sacrifice (8)

3. Anguish one gets in pot (4)

4. Could resort to a duty list (6)

5. It isn’t natural to provide such accommodation (4)

6. It is a deflection that maybe veers around west (6)

7. Could words be read through in a desultory way? (7)

11. Follows, as a consequence, the final scores (7)

13. Show it is wrong to do vipers out of it (8)

14. Gosh! Did they come from the rich man’s table? (6)

15. It isn’t enough to talk about a field event (6)

16. Is against poetry that’s French and American (6)

19. Put the picture on the wall to execute one (4)

20. Otherwise it’s a Latin viva voce (4)