{ THE CROSSWO RDS }

CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS

1 It couldn’t be better (10)

6 Russian girl in gaol break (4)

10 With spirit, a sailor comes back to dance (5) 11 They work with a will (9)

12 A pure one originates in France perhaps (8) 13 Niggard who would be sad if able (5) 15 Fires badly singe it (7)

17 Hide at one time found in California (7) 19 He won’t leave the premises until he’s put out (7)

21 Wine forced on some Irishmen (7)

22 Not what landladies should do to boarders (5)

24 Firm produces our steel in a new way (8) 27 After work, quiet or music is timely (9) 28 Anxious for future perhaps (5)

29 Herb that makes many sick (4)

30 It’s present in a constantly recurring form (10)

DOWN

1 For knitters the alternative is plain (4) 2 Drink is given to a messenger trying to avoid duty (3-6)

3 Time to muse (5)

4 The varied uses of a classical hero (7) 5 Cocaine distilled from the sea (7)

7 The pride of British rugby (5)

8 Digger is a Viennese perhaps almost all in (10) 9 Asked to appear at court? (8)

14 Seek earthly riches? (3,3,4)

16 They fall about, though able to hold drink (8) 18 About sixteen at church - miserable living (9) 20 Foster may run true to form (7)

21 Gets the better of teachers (7)

23 Centre of enlightenment for a student? (5) 25 Blooming item at the sale goes to us (5) 26 Not true talent? (4)

QUICK CLUES

ACROSS

1 Make an impression (4,6) 6 Explosion (4) 10 Meaning (5) 11 Infallible (9) 12 Acute grief (8) 13 Deduce (5) 15 Strictly pragmatic person (7) 17 Disastrous (7) 19 Papal government (7) 21 Screw up (7) 22 Weary (5) 24 Rabble (8) 27 Exciting experience (9) 28 Vilification (5) 29 Void (4) 30 Freedom from bias (10)

DOWN

1 Actors in a play (4) 2 Depending on alms (9) 3 Proficient (5) 4 To mirror (7) 5 A surety (7) 7 Standoffish (5) 8 Be sold at bargain price (2,3,1,4) 9 Rebellion (8) 14 Source of easy money (5,5) 16 Occurrence (8) 18 Discordant (3,2,4) 20 Upbringing (7) 21 A lustrous smooth fabric (7) 23 Take intense delight (5) 25 Extend (5) 26 For fear that (4)