Cryptic puzzle Across 6. Withdraw escort (4,3) 7. A book to remember? (5) 9. It’s used in a row or in a swordfight (5) 10. Writers I’ve assumed to be serious (7) 12. A shade smaller than the Red Sea! (7,4) 14. Feature popular with editors! (4,3,4) 18. The doctor had lost his life (7) 19. Sharp crooked instruments (5) 21. A record that’s not way out? (5) 22. Possibly put into uncommon ecstasy (7) Down 1. Call of captain for ends? (5) 2. One who cares is easily hurt (6) 3. Silent parent (3) 4. Unusually silent addition to the Christmas tree (6) 5. Irritate but prove all right before the end (7) 8. Once more obliged to make a comeback? (7) 11. Authorise a rising Middle East nation (7) 13. Low loop for tying up (7) 15. He helps to make fitted wardrobes (6) 16. I am in a rage, it appears (6) 17. Extra quarter to trim off (5) 20. One type may get excited, another keeps cool (3) Quick puzzle Across 6. Nonetheless (7) 7. Muggy (5) 9. Weird (5) 10. Arrange (7) 12. Anger (11) 14. Make-up (11) 18. Merry-making (7) 19. Perspire (5) 21. Conceal (5) 22. Undress (7) Down 1. Let down (5) 2. Area (6) 3. Chop (3) 4. Marionette (6) 5. Errand (7) 8. Rank (7) 11. Cleft (7) 13. Indigence (7) 15. Gratify (6) 16. Advancing (6) 17. Perhaps (5) 20. Noise (3) Friday’s solutions CRYPTIC Across: 6 Firemen; 7 Ruler; 9 Car; 10 Multiform; 12 Dissolution; 15 Level-headed; 17 Consumers; 19 Any; 21 Aesop; 22 Aspired. Down: 1 Vicar; 2 Men; 3 Menu; 4 Outfitter; 5 Gear-box; 8 Stella; 11 Diversion; 13 Scheme; 14 Deposed; 16 Angel; 18 Rose; 20 Lit. QUICK Across: 6 Unaided; 7 Brook; 9 Bet; 10 Franchise; 12 Conflicting; 15 Malpractice; 17 Indignant; 19 All; 21 Vaunt; 22 Impious. Down: 1 Under; 2 Lid; 3 Bear; 4 Architect; 5 Consent; 8 Enlist; 11 Compliant; 13 Flaunt; 14 Gainsay; 16 Clout; 18 Name; 20 Bit.
