Double crossword

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Passable reasons for entertainment sites (4-7)

9. Maltreated and shockingly sullied (3-4)

10. One who didn’t wish to wear his cap at school (5)

11. Where one puts up with other people (5)

12. Process used by various bodies (7)

13. Nettled, we hear, having reached one’s zenith (6)

15. March 15th saw his downfall (6)

18. Petroleum obtained by sailor at the back of the crag (4-3)

20. Where tea is produced from some of Russia’s samovars (5)

22. Adversary held back by infantrymen, evidently (5)

23. Now get a change of clothing (3-4)

24. Wires pretty well sorted out for office machines (11)

DOWN

2. Apportion a levy that’s been raised (5)

3. Determination to free from doubt (7)

4. Could be cured by direction to lose weight (6)

5 And 17 Down. Not the chief scribe in the insurance world? (11)

6. More than one ruler stands to be ruined about the end of the monarchy (7)

7. He serves guests with strong ale after dark (5-6)

8. By which to find the size of certain fellows in the flesh! (11)

14. This requires skill in taking a bow (7)

16. The first male colonist refusing to be moved (7)

17. See 5 Down.

19. Herb found on the watch, we hear (5)

21. The track is far from satisfactory beyond the top of the street (5)

QUICK PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Name (11)

9. Knight errant (7)

10. Entertain (5)

11. Elbow (5)

12. Gather (7)

13. Desire (6)

15. Bomb-hole (6)

18. Recuperate (7)

20. Converge (5)

22. Defect (5)

23. Regular (7)

24. Riches (11)

DOWN

2. Faded (5)

3. Incessant (7)

4. Madness (6)

5. Track (5)

6. Abundant (7)

7. Wasteful (11)

8. Enterprising (11)

14. Contain (7)

16. Rowdy (7)

17. Stoop (6)

19. Essential (5)

21. Angry (5)

WEDNESDAY’S SOLUTION

CRYPTIC - Across: 1 Bankrupt; 5 Used; 9 Blue; 10 Refusing; 11 Igloo; 12 Bedtime; 13 Contact lenses; 18 Upstairs; 19 Pips; 20 High tea; 21 Piers; 22 Stye; 23 Asbestos.

Down: 2 Allegro; 3 Keep out; 4 Presbyterians; 6 Spirits; 7 Degrees; 8 Subdue; 13 Couches; 14 Nosegay; 15 Adapts; 16 Napkins; 17 Esparto.

QUICK - Across: 1 Pass over; 5 Alas; 9 Stay; 10 Sedition; 11 Astir; 12 Traduce; 13 In the mind’s eye; 18 Delicate; 19 Abut; 20 Chatter; 21 Singe; 22 Duet; 23 Chivalry.

Down: 2 Artisan; 3 Stylish; 4 Electric torch; 6 Leisure; 7 Sincere; 8 Wizard; 13 Induced; 14 Tillage; 15 Excite; 16 Stamina; 17 Younger.