CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Short line on letter being returned, gets rid of one (5)

4. Moan about the backward-facing detectives wandering about (7)

8. Act to be adapted to a surplice (5)

9. Small quantity of cod Mum supplies one with (7)

10. He was no buck, the plaintiff John (3)

11. One entering championships must study the boat behind (9)

12. A great multitude for one who keeps open house (4)

13. Don’t start to throw it at a scratch event (4)

18. Cain’s mule, it turned out, wasn’t at all ladylike (9)

20. A rush for payment that is scored (3)

21. A domestic saver might go to the National Theatre (7)

22. It is criminal proof of being otherwise engaged (5)

23. Allow a point once the Diplomatic Corps turns to the East (7)

24. It is laid at the start, raised at the end, like Ladysmith (5)

DOWN

1. Braved trouble, the way player addressed himself to score (5,3,5)

2. Dogs that are set on deserters? (7)

3. Almost observe a spanner involving a thorough look (6)

4. Calling for gin, man gets tipsy (6)

5. Unintelligent turnover will trap a very small person (6)

6. Was chopping in the kitchen as one threw gaming cubes (5)

7. Prove scheme, in shuffle, to be all-including (13)

14. Insect to merit a change and be up in French (7)

15. Man of the church could bring about a truce (6)

16. There’s not much for such novel women (6)

17. Yes: cad rots in such a fashion (6)

19. Seductive woman might have given one the all clear (5)