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. One you count on to keep

your money? (6) 4. The safest arrangement for

banquets (6) 9. It’s light, yet able to withstand severe blows (9,4) 10. He’s unlikely to give

credit (7) 11. Work and play may be the

same to him (5) 12. Copy wrongly (5) 14. Opening Swiss writing

fluid? (5) 18. Offspring produced

periodically (5) 19. Sign that has a sting in its

tail (7) 21. Wearing a gun? (7,2,4) 22. A boy interrupts my

complaint (6) 23. Eccentric space traveller (6) Down 1. Bet he’s in command (6) 2. Do they ensure a man of iron is not easily frightened? (6,2,5) 3. A somewhat predictable

order (5) 5. It clears one’s view – to

bunkum? (7) 6. It’s fixed, of course, once

they’re off (8,5) 7. Outstanding agent in

vehicle coming back (6)

8. A striking similarity (5) 13. He was invited, we hear,

and gave an estimate (7) 15. A topping decoration (6) 16. Apart from ideas (5) 17. It’s not so hot in this jug (6) 20. One ounce at first is

bracing (5)

Quick Across

1. Financier (6) 4. Banquets (6) 9. Paraffin light (9,4) 10. Unbeliever (7) 11. Thespian (5) 12. Smithy (5) 14. Crack (5) 18. Edition (5) 19. Zodiac sign (7) 21. Impressively attired (7,2,4) 22. Illness (6) 23. Small celestial body (6) Down 1. Earnest request (6) 2. Great courage (6,2,5) 3. Decree (5) 5. Nonsense (7) 6. Gambling odds (8,5) 7. Excellent (6) 8. Game (5) 13. Estimated (7) 15. Crown (6) 16. Away from oneself (5) 17. Less warm (6) 20. Form of oxygen (5)