Puzzles: test your brain

ACROSS

1. Kidnapper’s cash demand

5. Live coal 8. Agreeable smell 10. Agitate

12. Ship’s accountant 13. Large building 14. Fuss

15. Unmusical sounds

18. Hepatic organ 21. Not any

22. Movie, – Brockovich 24. Ply the needle 26. Poker stake 27. Repose 28. Stringed instrument 29. Arm covering 31. Australia’s island State (abbrev) 33. Pickling liquid 35. Orb

37. In existing condition (2,2) 38. Echo sounder 39. Minor, a – matter 40. Dash with water

DOWN

2. Performed 3. Hindu garment 4. Seagoing soldiers

5. Flightless bird 6. Situated on the edge 7. Component 9. Frank

11. Worship

14. Affirms with confidence 16. Musical compositions 17. Prophets 19. Concern

20. Speed an engine 23. Backslide into bad habits 25. Victors

30. Level

32. Zodiac sign

34. Bile

36. Comedy duo, – and H.G.

Solution in next month’s issue.