CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

7 Charles going around in fetters (6)

8 Conclusion needs fixing, though not at first (6)

9 Niceness, strangely, infuriates (8)

10 Late getting out for a duck (4)

12 14 11 Had Top Clearly of zealously the a starter bill – concealed rats! to study (4,4) before the tool (4)

battle (8)

16 Air a new song (4)

18 Female soldier left after Rex (4)

20 Open a hot cooker? No

chance! (3,1,4)

22 Bring to an end if shin breaks (6)

23 Cut in half portion that’s dry inside (6)

DOWN

1 Complained about being plied with

Chardonnay, we were told (6)

2 Don’t connect so much to radio (8)

3 Snakes as an afterthought (4)

4 Dining companion for yours truly, on a

ship, having chopped meat (8)

5 Amend text, tied in knots (4)

6 Not just describing brunette? (6)

12 Lady dislodged a man’s hat (8)

13 Container to suffer in experiment (3,5)

15 Alternatively, one with spirit will provide

the source (6)

17 Effect when demon put on pretence (6)

19 See inside joint (4)

21 Pipe in bath last to corrode (4)