CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Studying space in part of a library (7-4)

8. See we dig it out side-on (8)

9. An American is crazy about a steam engine, in short (4)

10. A spy is about right if one’s at worship (5)

13. It’s as late as a doornail can be (4)

16. It would come down on one as one ran one in (4)

17. Bearing one found among the fellows (4)

18. To chop round end of spool on which wheel turns (4)

20. A spot of fat bacon (5)

24. Spring back, it might be, to prepare for publication (4)

25. Such love of wardrobe has its material ends (8)

26. Ponders how one gets slaves back from freedom (11)

DOWN

2. Tread warily on such a lay product in a delicate situation (4)

3. Could wed or provide a jointure (5)

4. The unpleasant way it sat around in an American city (5)

5. Nothing to be lied about, being intoxicated (5)

6. Is sent back home from overseas, by order (11)

7. British capital has the self-esteem that comes into flower (6,5)

11. Seeing which, one knows one has another calling (5)

12. A treacherous person will take one down on board (5)

14. Put it out that it’s the hour to give up (4)

15. It’s the beak that has got to be paid (4)

19. Praise former partner for giving a good deal up (5)

21. Cut back unwanted parts when the plum is dried (5)

22. 12, or cab provided for it (5)

23. Labyrinth, having a first, will astonish one (4) WEDNESDAY’S SOLUTION

Across: 1. Postulate 5. Bis 7. Epic 8. Romantic 10. Altitude

11. Less 13. Endure 15. Person 18. Rose 19. Blackcap

22. Breviary 23. Peru 24. Nod 25. Diligence

Down: 1. Preface 2. Stint 3. Avoids 4. Elan 5. Bothers

6. Socks 9. Stork 12. Peace 14. Distend 16. Neptune

17. Plural 18. Robin 20. Clean 21. Bird