30-MINUTE CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 A short length of hose? (4) 3 He keeps the beastly

company together (8) 8 To assign to a particular

grade is offensive (4) 9 Those having guests around

a long time as prisoners (8) 11 What the guard is doing —

not losing time! (7,5) 13 Observe it once perhaps (6) 14 A translation of Proust will

produce torpidity (6) 17 Fruit the corn-stalk covers

up, we hear (12) 20 This should provide adequate cover for capital (8) 21 This may recount part of an

oriental exploit (4) 22 Men of chivalry making a

noise among friends (8) 23 Advanced before Easter (4)

DOWN

1 Taking industrial action is

impressive (8) 2 A hundred on trial question

the verdict (7) 4 A piece of garden ought to

be sufficient (6) 5 They take away the reputation of French farm equipment (10) 6 Is this performed with the

aid of a spelling-book? (5) 7 Very necessary for one wishing not to lose the scent (4) 10 Diana’s accused and

acquitted (10) 12 Not on the wane (8) 15 He has received no commission, but it’s not generally known (7) 16 Get the boat reconstructed

at home (6) 18 Drag along the track (5) 19 Chastise this pet — a dog (4)