DOUBLE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC

ACROSS 1 Tie proves an attraction (4) 8 The demon drink? (4,6) 9 The deficiency will not last for a long period (8) 10 Support on stage? (4) 12 Russian currency involves most bother (6)

14 Presumably it runs through a textbook on embroidery (6) 15 There are lines of feet in it, of course (6)

17 Swindler’s instrument? (6) 18 Nips back for a ride (4) 19 Barker gets the worst of it (8)

21 Egalitarian wish for everybody to excel? (3,3,4) 22 He entertains a big crowd (4) DOWN 2 Conservatives in power? (5,2,3)

3 You and I are almost put on (4)

4 The face of a five-year-old? (6)

5 Agree to idiot getting 10 in change (6)

6 Cured in a fishy way (8)

7 But it doesn’t make the organist do so! (4)

11 Like an animal carried by every quartet? (2,3,5)

13 Neat knob can be obtained with paper money (8)

16 Sailor accustomed to being reviled (6)

17 Mostly more unusual animal food (6)

18 Fasten sea creature (4) 20 She would become hardhearted if she had less (4)