Puzzler

CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS

7 Turns around directions about a canine command (6) 8 Had none left, so departed quickly? (3,3) 9 Huge sum – or one converted (8) 10 Resentment seen in diplomat dropping round (4) 11 Short spouse takes one internet connection (2-2) 12 Popeye’s girl is dressing, we hear (5,3) 14 Serbia, NB, turns to other city (8) 16 Hat on top of each coat (4) 18 One member from West is a weakling (4) 20 Done wrong? Soldier seized ready for inspection (2,6) 22 Also maligned imprisoned African (6) 23 Telephone American hard area (6)

DOWN

1 After losing energy, I needed Indian vegetable (6) 2 Close call by stingy girl (4,4) 3 Rings around small and large city (4) 4 Lever around metal in perfect condition (8) 5 Crook needed to conceal joint (4) 6 Inspection getting Scotland’s top university very agitated (6) 12 Piece of music, or a high point I love (8) 13 Surround eastern and northern ring (8) 15 Rudolph extremely at home with bone from endangered animals (6) 17 Quiet loathing for a platform (6) 19 Reportedly victim is to plead (4) 21 Step quietly to get card (4)

QUICK CLUES ACROSS

7 Military greeting (6) 8 Tousle or crease (6) 9 Registered as unemployed (6,2) 10 Carpet nail (4) 11 Lay a footpath (4) 12 Smoke outlets on rooftops (8) 14 Aiding in crime (8) 16 Central part of a church (4) 18 Portable light (4) 20 Finally (2,3,3) 22 Long-distance walking (6) 23 Lucky object (6)

DOWN

1 Yacht harbour (6) 2 Most comical, or oddest (8) 3 Requirement (4) 4 Writing in block capitals (8) 5 Do not include (4) 6 Brave, spirited (6) 12 Room roofs (8) 13 Balderdash (8) 15 Buzz off! (4,2) 17 Person selling a house (6) 19 Couple (4) 21 Burial chamber (4)