Amillion thanks to sarumite, Argee2, kayakamina and blackandtan for abaca. The weasel's relative is still a problem unless marten has a recognised alternative spelling as martIn?? It crosses the 'I' of in order, which I have as my ansxwer to 'specifically' (2, 5). Unless anyone can think of something with an e to replace the in . . .?
Thanks sarumite. I agree that seems to be the only explanation as I've tried everything. By the way, do you spend most of your time on AB? You're very prolific as well as very helpful!
Adrienne, which crossword is this, as I seem to remember doing it recently? I am pretty sure the answer was marten, but I cannot remember the rest of it.
I tend to spend a couple of hours in the late evenings whilst doing dt cryptic, and on and off at various times throughout the day depending on time available. But it has to take second place (willingly) to a number of sporting calls esp. rugby, and not so willingly to gardening, DIY and other necessary evils!
Argee and sarumite: I've solved it! The crossover was wrong. Marten is surely the answer. The crossword was sent by the Telegraph to enter a draw to win a couple of days at Champneys. Chance, I say, would be a fine thing, as I struggle with my thickening waistline and the unfitness that comes from the sedentary life plus cigarettes! Thank you both, and the others
I KNEW I had done this crossword! But mine is to win two nights at CHANNINGS in Edinburgh, so i don't think it can be the same one, although mine was from the Telegraph.
Argee2: It Is 'to' order - that's why I was having a problem till I spotted that. And yes, it IS Channings - I misread it; but that'll do - if it was good enouch for Shackleton, it's good enough for us, I suppose - though he was accustomed to hardship! Thanks for the chat - I'm closing down in a minute or two.