Mephisto 2557

[crockshard]

Just one letter to go - driving me nuts! 18a Being excited with Pompeii, perhaps, but missing half of it, such as the streets? (5) . I have RUTT?. Feels as though it should have something to do with eruption, but I can't see it!

[Ardboe]

Rutty

[crockshard]

Thanks, but can you explain? Excited, yes, but how does the rest of the clue work?

[Ardboe]

ty - half of city (I think)

[crockshard]

I don't have an alternative, Ardboe, but I still need to be convinced!

[kayakamina]

RUT (excitement of a deer etc) + (ciTY) half of Pompeii .

Could be any City really.

[kayakamina]

Silly me - of course Pompeii would have Rutty streets after what happened to it!

[crockshard]

Bless you, Kayakamina! I THINK I can feel convinced now, but still a bit too enigmatic for me. Not a good ( 'know-it-when-you-get-it') clue...
Sorry for late response - have been out playing Bridge (and gossip!) with friends!