CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7544

Down

Down ACROSS

1. Be, at heart, equally mean (4). 7. In the Crees’ settlement, I have a home from home (9). 8. Charge the boy for concealing the ring (4). 9. From outside comes the cry of an animal (4). 10. Having a hard time to conceal, in that case (4). 11. “Reptiles” there’s a P in, dope! (4). 14. Everything one could wish to know about rowing? (3,3,4).

16. Tells us that will be the last time and shuts up (4,2,4).

19. Nonsense! Get back the lead! (4). 22. In the picture, I am a crook (4). 24. Do female impersonators find it a bore? (4). 25. Go round in a gang (4). 26. Have delusions. It’s these gins that have been doctored (3,6). 27. Didn’t go off, having been detained (4).

DOWN

1. British girl with a lovely Italian name (5). 2. Frank does have a heavy walk (5). 3. Gets even with an agent, say, that’s crooked (6). 4. So the man does disgust one (6). 5. Set on, having a flair for (4). 6. Might be nicest, at first, to have someone who’s not arty (9). 12. Barks and indicates it wants to be let in (9). 13. In taking the ship out, does the wrong thing (4). 15. Concluded it’s too much (4). 17. Decree the hole should go by the new drain (6). 18. Rag one about the colour (6). 20. For a start, enjoy being equal (5).

21. See this key fits in upside-down (5). 23. A message from the bank? (4).

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7543 - SOLUTIONS Across

- 7, Free of charge. 8, Snatch. 9, C-all-ed. 10, Sto-ring. 12, D’i-van. 15, Tempo. 16, Sag-gin-g. 18, St-rove. 20, D-on-ate. 22, Exchange rate.

- 1, Brunette. 2, Left. 3, Off-hand. 4, Shock. 5, Drilling. 6, Peke (peek). 11, Re-pro-ach. 13, Ann-o-tate. 14, Ban-dage. 17, Be-gan. 19, Ti-ed. 21, No-(ha)rm.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 7543 - SOLUTIONS Across

- 7, Inexplicable. 8, Pennon. 9, Poodle. 10, Curtsey. 12, Ruddy. 15, Cedar. 16, Vinegar. 18, Opaque. 20, Gobble. 22, Cricket Match.

- 1, Insecure. 2, Oxen. 3, Plunder. 4, Scope. 5, Absolute. 6, Peel. 11, Tranquil. 13, Deadlock. 14, Fidgety. 17, Perky. 19, Pick. 21, Beat.