physical education heads exited in order to process with haste(8)
dumber at a turn to obscure or faintly outline (9)
one not on a contract - like a medieval mercenary knight (10)
nail biting to a speedy end (5)
lively or laconic wit mate (4)
I think you might have the wrong crossword John. This is the Rte Guide No 33. No 5 across in this and 5 down has 9 letters. Salt fits in with the other letters I have