Two Speed Crossword

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

Cryptic Across

1. Pay one’s debt and

set free (9) 8. A garland from the Delectable Islands (3) 9. Presumably it occupies the middle ground (11) 11. Take the joy out of French newspapers (7) 12. A shipwreck caused

by a parasite (5) 13. What is not original

about an awning (6) 15. It might be taken in

a low dive (6) 17. In the theatre the respiratory gas is used (5) 18. What the discoverer does at the ceremony? (7) 20. Popular books showing where the finest wines can be found, we hear (4,7) 22. As a native of Australia you’ll find me returning before the middle of January (3) 23. Because I try somehow to show freedom from pretence (9)

Down

2. Anger one engineer

in uniform (3) 3. Sounds like a valuable store for the mob (5) 4. Fine meal for father

in repose (6) 5. It’s affected by tears – I cry loudly, by the sound of it! (7) 6. Massive description of a trumpeter (11) 7. Square columns survive in concrete supports (9) 10. Promptly prevent frost affecting undeveloped flower? (3,2,3,3) 11. Reduced the

number of folds? (9) 14. What the reader does through the customs! (7) 16. Gets dressed and presents a show (4,2) 19. Dance of a

liberated slave (5) 21. The peak is upset

by corrosion (3)

Quick Across

1. Release (9) 8. Garland (3) 9. Decorative object (11) 11. Deject (7) 12. Insect (5) 13. Awning (6) 15. Immerse (6) 17. Anaesthetic (5) 18. Reveals (7) 20. Popular books (4,7) 22. Flightless bird (3) 23. Genuineness (9)

Down

2. Fury (3) 3. Throng (5) 4. Meal (6) 5. Entire sight organ (7) 6. Huge (11) 7. Rectangular

columns (9) 10. Check the growth of

(3,2,3,3) 11. Lessened (9) 14. Reads (7) 16. Dons (4,2) 19. Waltz (5) 21. Decay (3)