CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

28/6

ACROSS 1. Give it a coat of paint or a medal perhaps (8)

4. How one may push a drop-out (4)

8. The enemy is back in the offing (3)

9. It could have led Pa to be on his bike (5) 10. Covered wagon with a shovel for testing ore (3)

11. Let Tory work it out if it’s a gamble (7)

12. At five to four, I’d say it’s brightly descriptive (5) 13. Sort of rehearsal of The Ring seen from these seats? (5,6)

17. Priest may wear it, to act it out (5)

18. Let be: the Marines are capable of making one shake (7) 20. It’s what one gives, paying heed to a bit of corn (3) 21. Inform on what one’s put out to in retirement (5) 22. Scab forms rapidly after trauma starts (3)

23. At which one stands, half-relaxed, in service (4) 24. Felt a try might be needed at blarney (8) DOWN 1. Pollute a long, narrow pass (6)

2. A swindler and his (Celsius) temperature (5)

3. Now, it will come to an end tonight (5)

5. Fresh showing for a live Queen Victoria presentation (7) 6. Den due to be used to have one stripped of clothing (6) 7. The dexterity of Conservative leader may take less nerve (10)

9. Forces people to serve newspapers to bands of criminals (10)

14. Many happy what? Forms filled out for the tax-man? (7)

15. Seem upset about church plan (6)

16. The gelt New York supplies in a mild manner (6) 18. The beaten path will show what’s to come on screen (5) 19. State craft will rudely push a way through (5)

YESTERDAY’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