CRYPTIC CLUES

Across Down

3 Unfrocking? (9)

8 Instrument used in early recordings (4)

9 He unburdens himself of considerable charges in the dock (9)

10 A steep fluctuation in old Spanish currency (6) 11 Decoration could be made by a learner (5)

14 See 24 Across

15 Sea in France near eastern lake (4)

16 Came to a certain conclusion (5)

18 Give a hand in the States (4)

20 Records, we hear, religious observances (5)

21 More than one kitchen appliance slowly collapses (5)

24 & 14Ac Is his success abroad measured by a test of intelligence? (6,5)

25 One who cheats the sculptor (9)

26 Sword made of silver paper? (4)

27 Directors on board (9) 1 An inclination by the members to give a military order (5,4)

2 Surveys _Great Expectations__”! (9)

4 Letter reversed in patois (4) 5 A sketchy entertainment to comment upon, we hear (5) 6 Blamed for turning the place into a madhouse (6) 7 The girl gives the artist the negative (4)

9 Speak for a country (5) 11 Golden sovereign (5) 12 A container of corresponding importance (6-3)

13 Eva Lister showing the attributes of a good variety artist (9)

17 It's not so sweet having less rainy weather (5)

19 As a kind of paper, its use is varied (6)

22 What the assassin does in the dark - I'll scream! (5) 23 Southern chalet admitting no visitors (4)

24 Sounds as if the prophet is old and withered (4)