DOUBLE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CLUES:

Across

1. Secret societies hold the charge back (4) 3. Keeps saying troublesome priests need direction (8) 8. One who's entitled to praise, we hear (4) 9. A North African is producing this shrub (8) 11. Describes the background to dramatic events (4,3,5) 13. Stick the head is upset about! (6) 14. It's easy to find in the herb garden (6) 17. The results of a party game (12) 20. It's not stiff and starchy to enlighten a learner (8) 21 and 23Ac. Unable to take

flight (8) 22. Some retreating into the stronghold nearer the front than anything else (8) 23. See 21 Across

Down

1. Large depreciation in fuel (8) 2. See 10 Down 4. One by one (6) 5. Generous underwriter? (10) 6. Back in the liner I spotted a

fascinating female (5) 7. Among the decorations a

showy piece of regalia (4) 10 and 2Dn. What the unhandicapped beginner does (6,4,7) 12. In the confusion wise communications are required (8) 15. To cram a wafer, maybe, with

cold, solid mass (4,3) 16. Has the same value as

peers (6) 18. Indicate one's willingness to remove the top from the moneybox (5) 19. A quarrel is apt to arise

loudly (4)

QUICK CLUES: Across

1. Assert (4) 3. Buy (8) 8. Change (4) 9. Enthusiasm (8) 11. Proportionate (12) 13. Middle (6) 14. Guidance (6) 17. Building (12) 20. Submissive (8) 21. Masculine (4) 22. Regularity (8) 23. Magnifier (4)

Down

1. Support (8) 2. Rower (7) 4. Restless (6) 5. Gainsay (10) 6. Prevent (5) 7. Orient (4) 10. Tyranny (10) 12. Parsimony (8) 15. Copy (7) 16. Beverages (6) 18. Fat (5) 19. Tree trunk (4)