2-SPEED CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CLUES: Across

1. Service chiefs? (4,7)

9. They may be black or white pelts (7)

10. Get to a stretch of the river (5) 11. The car that creates records (5) 12. His choice will get cross (7) 13. Father's attempt to be a kind of cook (6)

15. Scarcity of thread, perhaps (6) 18. Train that is brought to absolute rest (7) 20. Excel in striking a note (5) 22. It comes back to beat a giant (5)

23. At least a soldier will be (7) 24. A case of mixed dates (11)

Down

2. Turn out a bad scholar? (5) 3. She puts on other people's clothes (7)

4. Result of a questionable action? (6) 5. All-male crew of a novel boat (5) 6. Person goes round a nuclear establishment (7)

7. Fit to take possession (11) 8. Time may be on its side (6,5) 14. Don't allow bitterness to remain (7)

16. Perhaps ore is turned up on wearing away of the soil (7) 17. Soldier with papers in order (6) 19. The keynote of medicine (5)

21. Is in too much hurry to use the letter opener? (5)