Ah! Daniel. Well done. #2 is a 'double' and I see where 'string' is coming from. Never thought of it myself. Here are my workings:-
1. a little = it’s ‘in’ there. ABYE (archaic) = to pay the penalty for (Chambers def); “antique” implies “archaic”
2. (double) SIDING.
siding to a short line;
siding = to be going along with
3. arranges = grades (grade = to
arrange according to grade – Chambers def); measurement for printing = en; gr(en)ades = GRENADES = (?) magazine articles.
4. anag (out) of “bribe henchman to go” = BRING HOME THE BACON = (to) provide material support (Chambers def)
5. seen = seen; worst = best; se(best)en = SEBESTEN = an oriental boraginaceous tree (Chambers def) = oriental grower (loosely)