Double Crossword

CRYPTIC CLUES:

Across

1. Fish having escaped, we hear (4) 3. Rice soup could become highly esteemed (8) 9. Late meals for drinkers (7) 10. These will ruin the page (5) 11. Accommodation for the ranker? (7,5) 13. He can be seen at the ringside for a short time (6) 15. Watch-chain for Einstein, for instance (6) 17. We l l , that’s what he’s expected to find (5,7) 20. Prevent endless travel in confusion (5) 21. Can be stretched in steel, maybe (7) 22. Borderline obliged to be put near a railway (8) 23. Cleric emerges from inside a nunnery! (4)

Down

1. Th e final appointment indicating it’s time for retiring! (4,4) 2. It’s a sign this island is linked with corn (5) 4. Kind of apple having fungus disease round the south-east (6) 5. The upkeep of the benefice that rises with inflation (4,2,6) 6. Superintend putting a piece of poetry in Old English (7) 7. Sounds as though it enables one to observe a particular spot (4) 8. Don’t stand for this clue! (6,6) 12. One who operates round the head of the Thames for fish (8) 14. A fine building providing conversation over the water in France! (7) 16. O n paper he has a responsible job (6) 18. Unsophisticated one in important part of the Church (5) 19. Sounds like a tight squeeze at the side of the door (4)

QUICK CLUES:

Across

1. Divide (4) 3. Surrender (4,4) 9. Misdemeanour (7) 10. Dawn (5) 11. Absurd (12) 13. Advent (6) 15. Missing (6) 17. Miraculous (12) 20. Heading (5) 21. Decked (7) 22. Ponder (8) 23. Exceedingly (4)

Down

1. Outlook (8) 2. Plunder (5) 4. Avoids (6) 5. Allotment (12) 6. Speculation (7) 7. Mature (4) 8. Proclamation (12) 12. Impassively (8) 14. On horseback (7) 16. Unharmed (6) 18. Extent (5) 19. Stalk (4)