CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 More crooked and possibly better at being kept in the dark? (7)

9 Normal type of flag (8)

10 Reply obtained from letter I

posted (7)

11 No – crazy is the beginning of

mind wandering (8)

12 Screen type that’s part of

donor’s contribution? (6) 13 Prince possibly not coming

back for this dance (10) 15 Fast-running water: such a

tedious thing (4)

16 Direct tax for part of

policeman’s job (5,4)

21 Friend finally cries having

left girl (4)

22 Wrapping up love-token, in a place where the match might happen? (6,4)

24 Dig up former partner: strong smell emanating initially (6)

25 Scrap fish in sort

of pudding (8)

27 One who flies, American’s in

particular part of airport (7) 28 Missing milk? It could be thrown

into yon drain! (3-5) 29 Sudden eruption – and, reportedly, what might stifle it? (7)

DOWN

2 Hand-me-down: what next in

line might use for clothing? (8) 3 Men in depots kneaded

bread? (8)

4 Pulling out, seeing tense resistance in challenging surroundings (10)

5 Oil’s too much, love! (4)

6 It’s dangerous, worldwide organisation having strongbox (6)

7 Save one’s thanks for person

serving drinks (7) 8 Strange fellows having first bit of trouble in scrap (7)

11 Almost a disaster – the gin ran

out (4,5)

14 Smart clothing genius

assembled with lout (6,4) 17 Coverings that could

make a shy mask? (8)

18 Lead quietly, getting over

bad back (8)

19 Standing and helping

to hold book (7)

20 Inspect cut up explosive

device (7)

23 Poor ailing animal (6)

26 Geek spotted in diner,

dribbling (4)