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)