ALAN LEE’S CRYPTIC CROSSWORD NO. 296

ACROSS

1 and 3 Across. An expensive toilet with character is bad news. (4,4,6) 10 My gal takes rye each round or

two. (5) 11 Nice group falling out and

making up. (9) 12 Has steak in the ranks caused

uproar? (9) 13 Crown is for Charest. Don’t

laugh. 14 Party fanatic has snack in U.S.

(5) 16 Boldly, pest invades state

flower. (5) 19 Roughed up one passer before

opener. (9) 20 Fear allows no time for mistake.

(5) 22 Love Bugs Bunny in Chicago.

(5) 24 Are U-boat crews lesser men?

(9) 26 Decorate bride more stylishly.

(9) 27 Bid 10 million for shorter

speech. (5) 28 and 29 Across. Nasally located sound, like N in ´minimum’. (7,3,4)

DOWN

1 Sought knight during performance. (7) 2 Grant wanted a weapon held low. (9) 4 Sour stew little helpers give us. (9) 5 Late columnist’s clippings. (5) 6 Clearly state in evidence: “I gave nun CIA test.” (9) 7 Binding may succeed within these limits. (5) 8 Both sides end parley legitimately. (7) 9 Big “O “replaced by wasteland... (4) 15 ...so not here for Expo

continuity. (9) 17 Overseas traveller left alone.

(9) 18 How Dietrich sang ´ Cast ª until

he heard. (9) 19 Saying dog’s name fills empty

pub. (7) 21 Employer climbs over me as

business finally picks up. (7) 23 Prior to a lift, hold sides of

bathtub. (5) 24 Connery hugged first date in

car. (5) 25 Squad lifted metal after you

said. (4)