CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Means of transport, sometimes sprung (4) 8. The first orphans! (4,3,3) 9. Lively description of liquor? (8) 10. After hesitation leave thus (4) 12. Frightens, but firstly still cares (6)

14. One’s double in figures (6) 15. If making a return as a company, it’s a complete failure (6)

17. Personal property in Oriental kingdom (6)

18. A stern guide (4)

19. Short odds? That’s not fair! (3-2-3)

21. Share out is tried but as an alternative (10) 22. Highlanders may do so even when sober (4)

DOWN

2. Admiration I have for the individual (10) 3. Number of hands needed for a piano melody (4) 4. This plant has its points (6) 5. Of course he may follow an ace with clubs (6)

6. He daren’t upset the one who follows (8)

7. This is beneath one (4) 11. Illustrious pawnbroker of a previous generation (5,5) 13. Are they for the fleetfooted? (4,4)

16. Be too clever for – but not in intelligence apparently (6) 17. Big racial issue? (6) 18. Don’t reveal some of one’s foolish ideas (4) 20. Finished in a superior position (4)