CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. In craft I’m after the fifty one loses in weight (5)

4. Agitation Rupert half used to put his foot in it (7)

8. Test, perhaps, the water (5)

9. Answers commercial traveller with untruths (7)

10. Vehicle at the front of the troops (3)

11. It has two ways among coppers to show sorrow for sin (9)

12. What’s undertaken by host finally on demand (4)

13. Go over at sea a strip from the border (4)

18. About four put to death one in managerial job (9)

20. School test unendingly set back by cutting implement (3)

21. Instead of adjustment, keeps one back (7)

22. Perish in Austrian and Uruguay capitals, one says on going (5)

23. Longed for a time to get a donkey (7)

24. Take a different form around the West to pull one’s nose (5)

DOWN

1. Hovers around for twenty-four hours when pancakes are made (6,7)

2. At home, archdeacon has the street up and makes it up (7)

3. Awkward situation – not much to spread! (6)

4. It is bound to supply water at one time of the year (6)

5. One sees me about to place it and ascribe it (6)

6. To sit on the throne but not remain dry, one is told (5)

7. Handed over 100 cents but wouldn’t accept responsibility (6,3,4)

14. In the East, wise men are taken in – just think! (7)

15. Melting is fun? Nothing so difficult! (6)

16. Failed to make contact and was aware of absence (6)

17. Meal that’s concerned with history (6)

19. Something else for former spouse to give up: painting! (5) YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION: Across 1. Down payment 8. Write 9. Console

10. Imprest 11. Blush 12. Garish 14. Fester 18. Pilau 19. Caution 21. Clatter

23. Truce 24. Shepherdess

Down 1. Dowsing 2. Whisper 3. Piece 4. Yachts 5. Ennoble 6. Two 7. Teeth

13. Scuttle 15. Tribute 16. Runners 17. Scorch 18. Picks 20. Utter 22. Ass