CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

3 I see Ted’s upset about this decree (5) 8 Occasion for players to get their heads down (5) 10 The idea of a barbarian having a companion (5) 11 Chap bent on catching a big fish? (3) 12 Old Nick rested on one (5) 13 Stunning contribution to flood defence? (7) 15 Number observed to include a “5”(5) 18 It should be kept in Delaware (3) 19 Stepped in the direction of Dover, say (6) 21 Little creature possibly found in the wood (7) 22 Verdant area adjacent to Victoria? (4) 23 Frenchman with some children, note (4) 24 Projected drawing by Edward (7) 26 Like the path taken by a serious student? (6) 29 Old Spanish hero in the fight against crime (3) 31 There’s resistance to them by tough customers (5) 32 Arranged to be accommodated (5,2) 34 A seat in the market? (5) 35 In earnest, dear, you need more than one! (3) 36 Too much water can spoil tapes (5) 37 Ned and me, back in port (5) 38 At year’s end, fled to a Scottish island (5)

DOWN

1 A fight broken off? (5) 2 Dud, confused, ran out, being tipsy (7) 4 A scent worth hunting for? (4) 5 Modest church seat, perhaps (6) 6 One making adjustments to a fine pitch? (5) 7 Longed for an aspirin? (5) 9 He always has some cronies (3) 12 Where there’s many a cut in timber supplies (7) 14 Except for that hard-hearted bighead (3) 16 Made one’s mark in an election (5) 17 Not very firmly? (5) 19 Print something penetrating! (7) 20 Minor branches, one understands (5) 21 A child needs a bit of love, that’s all (5) 23 Gets cash for the wild deer over the river (7) 24 Worry Peter as he tours the South (6) 25 Half of nine plus ten means nothing! (3) 27 Name of several physicians (5) 28 Red-headed deity? (5) 30 Fixed by crude manipulation (5) 32 A puce jumper (4) 33 Pop an article in the very centre of the middle! (3)