This crossword No. 9663 clues and answers were published on Mon 23 Apr 2001 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 9663 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Fasten up – give way : BUCKLE
4-across – Digest – summary : PRECIS
9-across – Soft soap – face-cloth : FLANNEL
10-across – Cancel : ANNUL
11-across – Decline – pass away : LAPSE
12-across – Fourth longest African river : ZAMBEZI
13-across – Near in time or place : CLOSEATHAND
18-across – Vanquish – master : CONQUER
20-across – The devil : SATAN
22-across – In front : AHEAD
23-across – Copy : IMITATE
24-across – Stop work – go to bed : RETIRE
25-across – Protect – guard : DEFEND
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Damper – foil : BAFFLE
2-down – Secure – store for potatoes : CLAMP
3-down – Cavalrymen – dance : LANCERS
5-down – Kingdom : REALM
6-down – Firm – interest : CONCERN
7-down – Herbaceous plant – shrub : SALVIA
8-down – Explore new areas : BLAZEATRAIL
14-down – Clement : LENIENT
15-down – Antagonistic : HOSTILE
16-down – Cream cake : ECLAIR
17-down – Truly : INDEED
19-down – Beneath : UNDER
21-down – Find – copy : TRACE
This crossword has in total 26 where 13 are across and 13 are down.