The Brain Teaser

No. 8,587

ACROSS

1. Countless forgoing the anaesthetic (7,6) 8. Colour a little, being introduced as “a regular” (7)

9. Having swindled, the convict was returned to Ireland (7)

11. Checks a note in the rules (6)

13. The dope is a long time in returning the weapons (8)

15. The cockney's keener to be a good swimmer (5)

16. Nonsense! There's time to do the imitation of the duck! (7)

18. Sharp with the one that organised the crib (7)

19. Out of bed and ready, but distressed (5) 21. Prove a poor clerk and make bad use of one's charm? (8)

23. Put the rugs back again into the water (6) 25. In the tins over there finding great big holes (7)

26. Talk about going round the city in a horsedrawn carriage (7)

28. What a newly-planted seedling enjoys and it is very good (3,5,5)

DOWN

2. A fixture, it's made out, until I get the key to occupy (7)

3. A striking success? (3)

4. Old man, turn it up! (4)

5. Agree when I take the attitude it's not at all far (2,8)

6. In the pit, having cold food (5)

7. Carve a name for oneself? (7)

8. Frightfully funny reading? (6,5)

10. In the end, go (4,7)

12. Even backed right in! The cheek! (5)

14. It puts an end to the rock and roll (10) 17. Prepared to go to the party, but with hesitation (5)

18. Hand out hints to get a drink (7)

20. Set out to annoy the unproductive (7)

22. What convinces one the drink is strong? (5) 24. Hiss at the animal “Go away” (4)

27. Notice given to a girl (3)

SOLUTION TO PUZZLE No. 8586:

ACROSS: 1 Pikestaff; 8 Layette; 9 Looking; 10 Asunder; 13 Shingles; 14 Nest; 16 Pigeon-toed; 20 Tern; 22 Bass; 24 Tumble-down; 28 Mesh; 29 Barathea; 31 Bowlers; 34 Braille; 35 Singlet; 36 Steadfast.

DOWN: 1 Pulls up; 2 Knowing; 3 Sling; 4 Augment; 5 Flea; 6 Lean; 7 Hearten; 11 Sandal; 12 Date; 15 Stud; 17 Ida; 18 Ease; 19 Nether; 21 Row; 22 Bombast; 23 Smew; 25 Bramble; 26 Ophelia; 27 Nearest; 30 Award; 32 Logs; 33 Sets.