Cryptic crossword

ACROSS

1. Skipper liable to be taken in by Abel’s brother (7) 4. Wild men and wise men, around Virginia (7) 8. Void entry in bill unnecessarily sent back (4)

9. To leave meant a loss to this section of organisation (10) 11. The slammer is not so hot (6)

12. Made an object of love solid: die, otherwise (8) 14. Everybody can land a lone version of it (3,3,3)

15. It induced forgetfulness in pilot, usually (5)

17. Part of a flower that pales in trouble (5)

18. Said paper would somehow vanish (9)

19. Musician who might take the stand with others (8)

21. A way to do them wrong (6)

23. Investigating all possibilities, I’ve to tire one out first (10) 24. Became enamoured of moorland (4)

25. To steer out of it, as a favour (7)

26. Went over work of verse I’d composed (7)

DOWN 1. Is not out with company cousin’s assembled (9)

2. Don’t hit out at people’s lunch, sun being out (4,4,7)

3. Have to have one beheaded by editor (4)

4. Shock one island, case being altered (10)

5. Crucial visit is left out by Capone (5)

6. See whether gale’s blown out to make things go smoothly (6,3,6)

7. Fully satisfied with minced dates (5)

10. This old gutter may have been home to a dog (6)

13. Last dances arranged for bucket-and-spade construction (4-6)

15. Minor flap makes friend turn to a favourite (6)

16. Bracketed with darts, maybe, idled when one left (9) 19. Dim, watery ale mixture replacing beer contents (5) 20. Inhibit growth of a daredevil trick (5)

22. Being on top, is finished (4)