CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

▶ Across

1. The way to get near something that gets a PRO chap upset (8)

7. The end shows there to have been a shortage, right out (5)

8. One Franco-English grain for a fabulous beast (7)

9. Party record half-hinges on the mammal being aquatic (7)

10. When beached, somewhere to lie omitted: none excluded! (4)

12. With keenness, for example, returning in being ahead of time (7)

14. Let us run riot in posh car while he removes the cattle (7)

17. Green knuckle set back to reveal another joint (4)

18. Order to appear as a Scotsman in problems of arithmetic (7)

21. An interesting event is nothing in deep confusion (7)

22. Also known as a way to put to sea with a reversed form (5)

23. With emphasis I'm backing away from mistress: love sad endings! (8)

▶ Down

1. A sort of slipper to get in at: wear it for luck! (6)

2. Lady of the blood royal incorporated in the newspapers (8)

3. Sob, and Poe tops off the instrument (4)

4. Light with wick, and with wick it might be spread (6)

5. Order one sent off to take an early one? (4)

6. Equine sound shows the reason hostelry is included (6)

7. Much pleasure provided by 4, say, after being done on quitting (7)

11. Cuts the grass that surrounds ‘Ades as one softens and ripens (7)

13. They are arch and they're colourful, by Heaven! (8)

14. What a knave lascar turned out to be! (6)

15. Not that one will go along with being dispatched a second time (6)

16. To act as the leader, remove top (6)

19. Defensive armour is what one gets through the post (4)

20. Fret-wood? (4)