TWO-SPEED CROSSWORD Cryptic

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

ACROSS

7 Watchful technique about the

French (5)

8 Attempt to house old people

– it has a sad end (7)

9 One relies on him for the

fare (7)

10 Southern instrument needing

to be lowered in pitch (5)

12 Be observant and receive

warning of dismissal (4,6)

15 Halcyon description of the

champion angler (10)

18 Eau de Cologne (5)

19 Diana’s to do some nursing

– that’s swell (7)

21 Fundamental description of a

political reformer (7)

22 Natural aptitude to make light

of, we hear (5)

DOWN

1 Without him there would be fewer unions and no striking! (10)

2 Cross examination before the

end of the day (5)

3 Feature prominently among

topmost artistes (4)

4 Austere English author of the

eighteenth century (6) 5 There’s nothing in strange

variety of slaty material (8)

6 Majestic one with a show of

decorations (7)

11 Cleric to stoop in prayer,

maybe (10)

13 Nearly all the plaster painting

is out of doors (8)

ACROSS

7 Vigilant (5)

8 Story ending in

disaster (7)

9 Food provider (7)

10 Acute (5)

12 Pay attention (4,6)

15 Bird (10)

18 European river (5)

19 Swell (7)

21 Fundamental (7)

22 Talent (5)

DOWN

1 One who brings together suitable marriage partners (10)

2 Irritable (5)

3 Celestial body (4)

4 Laurence _, English

novelist (6)

5 Building material (8)

6 Royal robes (7)

14 Provides some relaxation in

the spring (7) 11 Canon (10)

16 It’s used for backing a 13 In the open air (8)

horse (6) 14 Unravels (7)

17 State a hatchet turned up in 16

Jockey’s seat (6) backstreet (5)

20 Hushed in times of 17 US state (5)

trouble (4) 20 Tender (4)