CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Assemble in large numbers to place an accumulator bet (4,2) 4 First contractor working at a Greek island used specific material (8) 9 Taxed the rich, commonly, as charged (6) 10 Made up a cool bed for the whole lot (8) 12 Leading counsel to a dramatic king was convinced he would be free (5) 13 Get everyone into the car with one, but without success (3,2,4) 14 Handled some eccentric characters who were a bit affected (7) 15 In the summer months, I look after a grain store (4) 19 Gain some advantage from using a hedge fund (4) 21 May forgive a prisoner having completed his sentence (7) 24 Assert that a pride, etc, could be trained up (9) 26 Start to bring excellent service to new child (5) 27 A college lecturer learned to be quite theoretical (8) 28 Have to control staff who are getting on a bit (6) 29 Has sent it off to the French, and is given the right to do so (8) 30 Encourages others to show their appreciation for the players (6) DOWN 1 Has to move, for example, when about to

see about empty theatre (8) 2 Go away, having to let some things slide (5,3) 3 Heard tune being played, having been brought to light (9) 5 Old contests on line could be revelations (7) 6 Boast about getting a new cap (5) 7 One may have to finish hearing in order to attract attention (6) 8 Instruction for some players to leave at some stage (6) 11 Shakespeare, for instance, except for the last word (4) 16 Is there an extensive sandy shore somewhere in California? (4,5) 17 Tower over, and look down on others, if able to call the shots (8) 18 Is about to send mare off down some winding courses (8) 20 Check out how to cut back at the pit (7) 21 Boasted about a ship’s complement (4) 22 Quick to show appreciation of a short answer (6) 23 Is able to get in; about time to backtrack (6) 25 That’s how one had to get established, in short (2,3)