This crossword No. 9260 clues and answers were published on Thu 06 Jan 2000 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 9260 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Exaggerated publicity : HYPE
3-across – Sheath for sword : SCABBARD
8-across – Colleague : ALLY
9-across – Large mushroom : PUFFBALL
11-across – Useful and rewarding : WORTHWHILE
14-across – The physical world : NATURE
15-across – Without sense of right and wrong : AMORAL
17-across – Practice of refraining : ABSTINENCE
20-across – Line of shrubs : HEDGEROW
21-across – Compassion : PITY
22-across – Fearfulness : TIMIDITY
23-across – Network : GRID
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Contrary breeze : HEADWIND
2-down – It is positive or negative : POLARITY
4-down – Apprehended : CAUGHT
5-down – Utter perplexity : BAFFLEMENT
6-down – Not at home : AWAY
7-down – Valley, as in Yorkshire : DALE
10-down – Crumbly biscuit rich in butter : SHORTBREAD
12-down – Border : FRONTIER
13-down – Favourite : BLUEEYED
16-down – Greatest possible : UTMOST
18-down – Informal conversations : CHAT
19-down – Early man : ADAM
This crossword has in total 24 where 12 are across and 12 are down.