The Morning Puzzle

I slipped through the gap under the front gate and trotted out onto the pavement, eager to see what the town of Tring was up to this morning. Right on a low slatted bench by the brick wall, I discovered an intellectual arena waiting just for me. A folded newspaper lay resting there, held down against the breeze by a smooth grey river pebble, displaying a crisp grid of crossword squares. Heaving my shoulder against the stone to slide it aside, I hooked my front paw around a stubby yellow pencil and rolled it squarely into position over 7 Across. A true champion conquers both the stage and the morning brainteasers!