CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Compassion takes youth leader to mine (4)

3. Padre finds fellow taking the French in (8)

8. With which sailor has to fight? (4)

9. Leading lady in order (8)

11. It’s a matter of degree whether this status is reached (12)

13. Official could try on a variety (6)

14. Items of business take a long time and should be rearranged (6) 17. Cold-shouldering reporters? (5,7)

20. Allow to proceed with charges that are roused in 16 (8)

21. Avoid some foolish unfaithfulness (4) 22. Uncertainty as a hanging matter? (8)

23. Alternatively also half taken by word of mouth (4)

DOWN

1. Put off soft one sent by mail (8)

2. Poles in characteristic passage (7)

4. Other balancing tricks include use of book of plants (6)

5. Make metal group well known (10)

6. Skilled in a small department (5)

7. Curious organ? (4)

10. Gives gears odd pushing (10)

12. On the edge of alarming changes (8)

15. In no case change therein (7)

16. Displays of hot feelings on stage? (6)

18. Flowers that can make fine spray (5)

19. Work of soup production (4)