THE WORLD’S MOST ORNERY CROSSWORD

Fillin' Groovy

The crossword on this and the next two pages has two independent sets of clues: “Hard” and “Easy.” First, fold this page back on the dashed line so the clues below face the solving grid on page 69. If you use only the Hard Clues (appearing below and continuing under the grid), you’ll find the puzzle uncommonly challenging. If you want help, or prefer a less severe challenge, open to the Easy Clues (tucked in beneath your fold on page 68).

Hard Clues

ACROSS

1 Desert winds

9 Five iron, once

15 Islamabad tongue

19 Nave neighbor

23 Like tennis serves

24 Smiths’ attire

25 Ja opposite

26 One of Bruce’s E Street bandmates

27 Brass flourishes

28 Spies, slangily

Response to “Who’s there?”