Double Crossword

Cryptic puzzle

Across

1. Tax as an obligation (4)

3. Runs slowly to dupe the French (8)

9. Rum lot I threw out due to agitation (7)

10. Brown topless figure (5)

11. Acceptable as it’s rebuilt next to the plant (12)

13. More from the theatre (6)

15. He tries to bring fish to the bank (6)

17. People providing grouse and beef (12)

20. Boadicea’s tribe preserved in ice, perhaps (5)

21. List of contrite misers? (7)

22. Advocate to open next resort (8)

23. Goddess taking credit for a crisis (4)

Down

1. Indeed the exam was hated (8)

2. Sailor having to return fortune-teller’s cards (5)

4. Prepare another fire? (6)

5. Supports the Faces (12)

6. Free translation of braille (7)

7. Nimble secret agent getting right in (4)

8. Getting forced into forces (12)

12. Does well when in favour of press reform (8)

14. Photograph of couples, perhaps (5-2)

16. Man taking one on for the country (6)

18. Possibly slain with tacks (5)

19. Spreading like wildfire? (4)

Quick puzzle

Across

1. Boast (4)

3. Skilled in drawing (8)

9. Refrigerated (7)

10. Double (5)

11. Shatter (12)

13. Get the better of (6)

15. Edge (6)

17. Of spelling (12)

20. Crop up (5)

21. Disciple (7)

22. Ponder (8)

23. Woe! (4)

Down

1. Rear entrance (4,4)

2. Wrong (5)

4. Blush (6)

5. Questioner (12)

6. Awry (7)

7. Cook (4)

8. Flattery (12)

12. Takings (8)

14. Stayed (7)

16. Overcome with horror (6)

18. Inn (5)

19. Cripple (4)

Tuesday’s solutions

CRYPTIC

Across: 6 Begonia; 7 Crank; 9 Start; 10 Bassoon; 12 Rent asunder; 14 Show of hands; 18 Angrily; 19 Canon; 21 Sound; 22 Deposit. Down: 1 Keats; 2 Course; 3 Air; 4 Prison; 5 Snooper; 8 Oarsman; 11 Stiffly; 13 Phantom; 15 Wiring; 16 Drag on; 17 Colin; 20 Bed.

QUICK

Across: 6 Strange; 7 Being; 9 Petty; 10 Furious; 12 Unqualified; 14 Retribution; 18 Content; 19 Start; 21 Yearn; 22 Immoral. Down: 1 Steep; 2 Carton; 3 Egg; 4 Belief; 5 Injured; 8 Quality; 11 Husband; 13 Devotee; 15 Return; 16 Option; 17 Break; 20 Imp.