Double Crossword

Cryptic puzzle

Across

1. The nobleman is clever - can be in the reckoning (9)

8. She has some positive value (3)

9. In which gatherings of philatelists are held (5,6)

11. Again poetry may be selected by the driver (7)

12. Not dead - having a beer about four! (5)

13. Take the net back: the sin is returning to the game (6)

15. A number take the worker to be one who pays the rent (6)

17. 100 are inclined to get rid of the dirt (5)

18. Dismiss the person at the till (7)

20. Gave hospitality or treated nine badly (11)

22. Is able to produce a tin (3)

23. Put colour on the walls in ill-humour (9)

Down

2. Not at home in New South Wales (3)

3. Drunkard reaches the summit with hesitation (5)

4. Wager about sick quarters (6)

5. Rival dead bird (7)

6. Isn’t on a diet at the end of the journey (11)

7. Woodworker has to nag to get in (9)

10. Promotion of publicity on vehicle carrying mortar (11)

11. No quality of the person who can’t keep his mouth shut (9)

14. Took fire as result of poor editing! (7)

16. Gets points in twenties? (6)

19. Do something fishy on the ice? (5)

21. She is seen just before the festival (3)

Quick puzzle

Across

1. Embellish (9)

8. Poem (3)

9. Dejected (11)

11. Anger (7)

12. Fragrance (5)

13. Opportunity (6)

15. Lax (6)

17. Afterwards (5)

18. Snare (7)

20. Deceit (11)

22. Cask (3)

23. Overlooked (9)

Down

2. Spoil (3)

3. Frequently (5)

4. Trader (6)

5. Set free (7)

6. Merge (11)

7. Practice (9)

10. Charm (11)

11. Instil (9)

14. Sure (7)

16. Leap (6)

19. Subject (5)

21. Prosecute (3)

Monday’s solutions

CRYPTIC

Across: 7 Report; 8 Invest; 10 Sincere; 11 All in; 12 Noel; 13 Edwin; 17 Drone; 18 Dear; 22 Clamp; 23 Salient; 24 Rifles; 25 Samson.

Down: 1 Present; 2 Spaniel; 3 Brief; 4 Ontario; 5 Cello; 6 Stand; 9 Readiness; 14 Prophet; 15 Reverse; 16 Grating; 19 Score; 20 Waifs; 21 Clear.

QUICK

Across: 7 Endure; 8 Height; 10 Reclaim; 11 Tango; 12 Note; 13 Giant; 17 Vogue; 18 Brag; 22 Begin; 23 Unkempt; 24 Singer; 25 Closet.

Down: 1 Searing; 2 Educate; 3 Break; 4 Destiny; 5 Agony; 6 Strop; 9 Ambiguous; 14 Founder; 15 Promise; 16 Agitate; 19 Abuse; 20 Agent; 21 Skill.