ALAN LEE’S CRYPTIC CROSSWORD NO. 421

Across

1 Busy at Ottawa getting company funds. (7,7) 10 Machine invented at bedtime over a drink. (6,3) 11 Throw out index. Pelicans not listed. (5) 12 Show gratitude for having a bit

of hair after stylist finished. (5) 13 Donut maker is in bad spot with

international group. (9) 14 Signed, joined and left out. (5) 16 Man has stroke. It’s a liver

problem. (9) 18 Mind spins with America’s cup

problem. (9) 20 A Pole raised by some Scots. (5) 22 They have learned to dispense

with advice. (9) 24 Some rude, ignorant kids on

stoop. (5) 25 Hospital procedure leaves men

emasculated. (5) 26 Sticky swamp in U.S. covers wheel. (9) 27 Value talent and decency. (14)

Down

2 Be better than OK. Run at difficulties. (7) 3 Complain during strike. (5) 4 Black king in new surrounding. (5) 5 They always stand while paying tribute to the departed. 6 and 24 Tool is broken. Dump it in cellar. (9,5) 7 Class ready and composed. (7) 8 Still playing cheerful tunes. (5) 9 Costs hit travel from Aberdeen. (8) 15 Make valueless. (9) 16 Stormy nights hid later awareness. (9) 17 Poor senses or poor feeling. (8) 19 Charms an animal outside Thebes. (7) 21 Be unwell during fight and leave hurriedly. (4,3) 22 Dismal redhead in love. (5) 23 Explosive charge in news item. (5) 24 See 6 down.