" THE SPECTATOR " CROSSWORD No. 138 , I prize

of a Book Token for one guinea will be given ig the sender of the first correct solution of this week's crossword puzzle to be opened. Envelopes should be marked with the words "Crossword Puzzle " and the NUMBER of the PUZZLE, and should be received not later than first post on Tuesaay week. No envelopes will be opened before noon on Tuesday. Solutions should be on the form appearing below. The name of the winner and the solution will be published in the follow- ing issue. Envelopes containing solutions must .bear a zld. stamp, otherwise they 1.-e surcharged on dehvery. Solutions from the U.S.A. cannot be accepted.]

ACROSS . " And all I ask is a - and a star to steer her by " (Masefield) (2 words) (4, 4)- 5. Discredited creditor (6). 9. Methuselah did (8).

to & 24. Very big indeed (12).

12. Neither fellow from abroad (6).

13. " The tumult and the dies " (Kipling) (8).

15. Is this used by the landlady to make the rations go round? (12).

18. These are not displayed by flag-ships (2 words) (5, 7) 23. The hero of reveille (8).

2264. ISteseoIccu0" pant's go to seed (6).

27. Little Constance is what her name implies (8).

28. Religious division (6).

29. " Oh, my ears and -, how late it's getting! " (Carroll) (8).

DOWN 1. " And that one which is death to hide " (Milton) (6).

2. Hewlett's forest couple (6).

3. Pickled tree in the West Country (7).

4 & 14. Not where royalty goes for refreshment, though asso- ciated with the bar (3 words) (4, 2, 5)-

6. I'd burst if you did this to this (7).

7. Like the meeting of 2 vide Shakespeare (8).

8. Tergiversator (8).

II. Take the chill off? On the contrary (7).

14. See 4.

16. Not better than one on a penny (2 words) (3, 5).

17. Piscatorial top-liner (8).

19. Coupled with fairies in litera- ture (7).

20. This is noticeable in cucum- ber frames especially (7). 21. " Even the ranks of Tuscany Could - forbear to cheer" (Macaulay) (6). 22. The leech does but not him- self (6).

25. Disorganised shop looks well (4)-