TWO SPEED CROSSWORD

This two-speed crossword has two sets of clues, but just one grid. If you can’t solve the Cryptic clues, try the Quick.

Cryptic Across

1. Sounds like a narrow channel without curves (8) 5. A spot for a vertical descent (4) 9. Not bound to be without charge (4) 10. Command to underwater craft? (8) 11. I’d come back with transport for this piece of furniture (5) 12. Remove what was once a religious article (7) 13. They have a stirring influence beneath the surface (13) 18. How large towns are populated? Hardly! (8) 19. A good deal of money on the carpet (4) 20. A place from which to direct what precis writers do (7) 21. Clean up the lottery (5) 22. Book coming my way? (4) 23. Star skater is out of place here (8)

Down

2. Twist - or it’s no change (7) 3. To declare how old a person is - that’s mean (7) 4. Those who are busy doing homework (5-8) 6. A second draft is made when the warder returns north (7) 7. The sea trip could be ruined by them (7) 8. Kind of board for securing bricks (6) 13. In a high position to begin with, he’s only just made good (7) 14. Drawing a grid differently before morning (7) 15. Go back to do some more sowing, we hear (6) 16. Authorise me to return to governing office (7) 17. They prepare the ground for producing steering devices (7)

Quick Across

1. Direct (8) 5. Fall (4) 9. Liberated (4) 10. Biological group (8) 11. Backless couch (5) 12. Withdraw (7) 13. Emotions below the surface (13) 18. Rarely (8) 19. Heap (4) 20. Curtail (7) 21. Brush (5) 22. Big book (4) 23. Star (8)

Down

2. Twisting (7) 3. Mean (7) 4. Construction workers (5-8) 6. Sketched again (7) 7. Buccaneers (7) 8. Cement mixture (6) 13. Arrogant person (7) 14. Outline (7) 15. Go back (6) 16. Authorise (7) 17. Nautical steering devices (7)