Double crossword - 22/11/12

Cryptic puzzle

Across

4. A paper handkerchief it’s said, in dispute (2,5)

8. Disconcerted at being ejected (3,3)

9. Set many free in general pardon (7)

10. They initially permit fat to be used in candles (6)

11. Take notice of steady gaze (6)

12. Not settled after taking off (2,3,3)

18. Legal benefactor? (8)

20. Russia half backs earlier law involving sea-creature (6)

21. Natural development is nothing to swear about! (6)

22. Chose about 50 who were drunk (7)

23. Skilled in poetry, perhaps (6)

24. Seeing lawyer as arranged about one in exhausted state (7)

Down

1. Sink put into satellite (7)

2. The late jumper (7)

3. Some amateur operators on the continent (6)

5. Awful noise made by motor to be repaired after midnight tonight (8)

6. Snow vehicle broke his leg (6)

7. Put out drink container to make an improvement (6)

13. The lot of them become puffed up when everything’s O.K. (4,4)

14. The first woman to take a breather on the mountain (7)

15. Allies of redhead surrounded by demons (7)

16. Masculine type going round in charge causes ill-will (6)

17. Middleman is worse than bankrupt? (6)

19. Scowl when note is flat? (6)

Quick puzzle

Across

4. Score (7)

8. Awoke (6)

9. Ointment (7)

10. Kine (6)

11. Decent (6)

12. Assign (8)

18. Tradesman (8)

20. Mottle (6)

21. Adage (6)

22. Humility (7)

23. Chide (6)

24. Yield (7)

Down

1. Decisive (7)

2. Fairness (7)

3. Maize (6)

5. Box (8)

6. Charm (6)

7. Tallow (6)

13. Servant (8)

14. Most (7)

15. Reel (7)

16. Taste (6)

17. Add (6)

19. Bomb-hole (6)

Wednesday’s solutions

CRYPTIC - Across: 1 On the scales; 9 End; 10 Decorator; 11 Votes; 13 Lantern; 14 Haunts; 16 Relish; 18 Noblest; 19 Alter; 20 Enactment; 21 Ace; 22 Fleet Street.

Down: 2 Nod; 3 Hades; 4 Sickle; 5 Arrange; 6 Extremist; 7 Heavy-handed; 8 French fries; 12 Thumbnail; 15 Theatre; 17 Stress; 19 Actor; 21 Awe.

QUICK - Across: 1 Abusiveness; 9 Cut; 10 Irritable; 11 Noise; 13 Liberal; 14 Invade; 16 Veneer; 18 Lecture; 19 Asset; 20 Triumphal; 21 Air; 22 Heartlessly.

Down: 2 Bet; 3 Shine; 4 Virile; 5 Notable; 6 Soberness; 7 Scintillate; 8 Declaratory; 12 Invective; 15 Drummer; 17 Lethal; 19 Atlas; 21 All.