CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Nice and saintly, but with very little heart (5) 6 Excessive water in mixing paste (5)

9 The object of a piece of writing (7)

10 Bad name for a builder (5) 11 Attack with a stone? (5) 12 To have demonstrated the method in different ways (5) 13 Freedom of the island in New York Harbour (7)

15 Girl turning over in bed (3) 17 New deal for Mr Jones, let’s nominate (4)

18 Upper class wines blended in rash style (6)

19 Chuck having a bit of fun (5) 20 Here’s a little wrinkle for you (6)

22 Latest model where shoes are concerned (4)

24 It can sound just the same when an H is dropped (3) 25 Clearly, in drama, some lines get botched (7)

26 Took a possibly lost key (5) 27 Sort of scheme from which the Italian can opt out? (5) 28 Fling trews around (5) 29 The remainder live around the capital of Uganda (7) 30 Like pure silk stockings (5) 31 Not long a lawyer (5)

DOWN

2 A pest we get wicked with (6)

3 Ned receives attention that’s well deserved (6) 4 A shot that can lead to a goal (3)

5 If upset and backward, somewhat doubtful (5) 6 Sing out the bass, easing the tempo (7)

7 Stately surname for Sean, say (4)

8 The many points useful to composers (6)

12 Old and funny tales (5) 13 Tree with a curve to the left (5)

14 Support for a homeless person? (5)

15 Many a vehicle may serve for sleeping (5)

16 She isn’t exactly petty (5) 18 The pawnbroker may find a hundred pounds in a French one (5)

19 Gamble a bird might take? (7)

21 Being a lout may seem nothing to a swimmer (6) 22 Untidy little pigs? (6) 23 You can push your hand right through it (6) 25 Gave about a quid for something wearable (5) 26 So looking a bit red and tender (4)

28 Lower payment? (3)