DOUBLE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC ACROSS

1 Occasionally in the past and present (3,3,4) 7 Some liner traffic is sluggish (5) 8 Defames a large number and gets into a row (7) 10 It brings insects to a sticky end (8) 11 I depart right after the operatic prince (4) 13 I’d call around, but not on foot (6) 15 Having grave consequences (6) 17 They take orders from their superiors (4) 18 Stage a hunger strike and stick to it (4,4) 21 Going to great lengths at either end (7) 22 Inlay with three points in it (5) 23 But it keeps tongues busy! (4,6)

DOWN

1 One wants to be so described (5) 2 Sign to be careful with the new coat (3,5) 3 Figure it might be an anaesthetic (6) 4 Where to go when there’s need for change (4) 5 Taken on – as prospective partners? (7) 6 It’s not the same as a disagreement (10) 9 The plight of the penitent (5,5) 12 Plant holders! (8) 14 It is not, indeed, meant (7) 16 Fuss about the French in Spain (6) 19 A fabulous storyteller (5) 20 Celebration we hear is destined to take place (4)

QUICK ACROSS

1 Hint (10) 7 Killed (5) 8 Anguish (7) 10 Roll (8) 11 Bitter (4) 13 Cores (6) 15 Fight (6) 17 Intend (4) 18 August (8) 21 Withdraw (7) 22 Mistake (5) 23 By nature (10)

DOWN

1 Argot (5) 2 Desperado (8) 3 Respect (6) 4 Weary (4) 5 Unfold (4,3) 6 Stargazer (10) 9 Sixty (10) 12 Footpath (8) 14 Discipline (7) 16 Fortress (6) 19 Late (5) 20 Mist (4)