the word 541

[Aquagility]

Stuck on three -
12a Sheet covering with silk, perhaps (6) L?W?E?
17a What's put down? Nice number mentioned... (4)
S?N? Presume this is sink (cinque)
16d Top-secret dallying, no end of trouble - could be me! P?E?C?T? Prescott? But why "could be me"?

[geo0939]

12a Lawyer ?

[geo0939]

I think sink should be sAnk. French pronunciation, and put down could be past tense.

[kettledrum]

17a sank? Sounds like cinq - as 5 is pronouced in Nice. Put - past tense not present

[kettledrum]

I'd like to say snap! geo, but you were way ahead of me.

But, definitely lawyer....layer / sheet round w(ith). Silk = QC

[kayakamina]

Prescott......Anag plus Prescott ( me) was a 'dallier'

[geo0939]

It's always nice to have confirmation K. My thinking for lawyer was the same as yours.

[Aquagility]

Thanks, geo0939 and kettledrum. I'm sure you're right on both counts. Not proud of my French though!

[geo0939]

Just got it Kaya, Anag; topsecret minus end of trouble E. Not sure about the ME but many happy returns for yesterday, I missed the original posting as I was golfing all day(and drinking). Hope you had a great time.

[Aquagility]

And thanks to you too, K. Older now, but wiser? I doubt it.

[kayakamina]

Thanks Geo. Hope your round (golf) was as good as my day out !

Cheers K