Double Crossword

Cryptic puzzle

Across

1. Exhibitor wants a spot of rain? (6)

4. Sausage for bonfire night? (6)

9. Without a clue, perhaps? (7,2,2,2)

10. Mirror to bring reproach (7)

11. Lift, but not quite to Paradise! (5)

12. Primary object of good husbandry? (5)

14. We hear big fire may be here (5)

18. Violently shakes the crags (5)

19. Side with the head (7)

21. The ordinary soldier’s pay? (7,6)

22. Staggered Communist taking in fish (6)

23. Tree with tip-top heavenly body (6)

Down

1. A Norse converted lady (6)

2. Rusty - like a sacked solicitor? (3,2,8)

3. The best of Chinese literature (5)

5. Not the same somehow on earth (7)

6. Greeting of grand one, too (4,9)

7. Messenger hasn’t got to be without a bean! (6)

8. An entrance stone (5)

13. Illness causing to perish going round the oceans (7)

15. He makes a profit from hangings, of course (6)

16. One who packs punch? (5)

17. Failing to go over to the other side (6)

20. Corruptible in heaven also? (5)

Quick puzzle

Across

1. Outcome (6)

4. Painter (6)

9. In order of time (13)

10. Cell (7)

11. Chop (5)

12. Jolting (5)

14. Fatuous (5)

18. Characteristic (5)

19. Item (7)

21. Locality (13)

22. Eager (6)

23. Pursued (6)

Down

1. Ebb (6)

2. Choking (13)

3. Thrust (5)

5. Diet (7)

6. Not easily seen (13)

7. Higher (6)

8. Hurl (5)

13. Ewer (7)

15. Stink (6)

16. Principal (5)

17. Repaired (6)

20. Flashlight (5)

Friday’s solutions

CRYPTIC

Across: 4 Measure; 8 Neater; 9 Athlete; 10 Icicle; 11 Needle; 12 Goatherd; 18 Indigent; 20 Hostel; 21 Pounce; 22 Cheroot; 23 Petrol; 24 Sceptre.

Down: 1 Innings; 2 Capital; 3 Wealth; 5 Extended; 6 Silver; 7 Rattle; 13 Evil-doer; 14 Deanery; 15 Steeple; 16 Gothic; 17 Stir up; 19 Ironed.

QUICK

Across: 4 Account; 8 Frozen; 9 Inspire; 10 Lethal; 11 Upshot; 12 Converge; 18 Petition; 20 Confer; 21 Entice; 22 Almanac; 23 Strong; 24 Swarthy.

Down: 1 Afflict; 2 Fortune; 3 Menace; 5 Conquest; 6 Oppose; 7 Narrow; 13 Reproach; 14 Visitor; 15 Undergo; 16 Hollow; 17 Affair; 19 Innate.