DOUBLE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CLUES:

Across

1. Had a meal at the hotel - it's natural (6) 4. Lucky charm for a mare at the racecourse (6) 9. Viennese writer of note (6,7) 10. Concerning a property contract that's free (7) 11. About to get a spool and a wickerwork basket (5) 12. When the man has a

cricket trophy (5) 14. Steals over to get a

seat (5) 18. An age to find a Muse (5) 19. Substitute two materials (7) 21. Proverbial value of two

bushtits (4,2,3,4) 22. Finishing with gin Den

mixed (6) 23. More heated conflict on the

French sea (6)

Down

1. Damage in panel (6) 2. Like all-in wrestling on an open freighter? (2,5,6) 3. Weight of silver returned to the Friendly Islands (5) 5. Possibly rip coat with fruit (7) 6. The threat of burglary? (5,3,5) 7. Lets us out of the fight (6) 8. Like a writer's tree (5) 13. Note the return of a boy - one from public school (7) 15. Return the Spanish meat - it's inadequate (6) 16. Runs to the left-wingers (5) 17. Offer to be gentle (6) 20. I tape up a religious picture (5)

QUICK CLUES: Across

1. Help (6) 4. Thrash (6) 9. Law (13) 10. Bloated (7) 11. Dull (5) 12. Cram (5) 14. Broom (5) 18. Change (5) 19. Reading (7) 21. Rashness (13) 22. Guarantee (6) 23. Headwear (6)

Down

1. Adapt (6) 2. Clandestine (13) 3. Rope fibre (5) 5. In earshot (7) 6. Tire (3,3,2,5) 7. Attractive (6) 8. Degree (5) 13. Beyond (7) 15. Bewilder (6) 16. Jet (5) 17. Cupboard (6) 20. Uplift (5)