CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Such an angle may have been a bit thick (6) 8. Utterly defeats the suitor one left bewildered (5) 9. On which hermit lies, his writing being indecipherable (7) 11. See a trap that one might take apart (8) 12. A rapid number of cars on a firm’s business (5) 15. Shepherd who was the first victim of fratricide (4) 16. Verse that may be taken on in the theatre (3) 17. Be the first batsman, to be frank (4) 19. Smith, being concerned here, will strike a false note (5) 21. A barrow, and chart prepared for it (4-4) 24. Longed to have some time with a boy (7) 25. Written instruction as to neatness (5) 26. Wig men use, sounding catty (6) DOWN 2. A green stone for this girl (5) 3. What goes up when it comes down (8) 4. In two ways you and I can find the sheep (4) 5. Money that’s needed for the staff of life (5) 6. A cougar putting back up at Mother (4) 7. Actual existence may be either way up (4) 10. Journal, as written by one in office? (4,5) 12. A stable junior (4) 13. 24 hours from now, it never comes (8) 14. Beatnik needed to be seen around the joint (4) 18. Get one run or twenty (5) 20. Olive, for one, is inexperienced (5) 21. An owl’s cry one wouldn’t give, uncaring (4) 22. Shows one agrees as one starts falling asleep (4) 23. Call it school time (4)