CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. The highest pleasure, a sure loss that will make one fall (6)

4. Not dry toast, but it may somehow deter (8)

9. This railway, though small-scale, has its views (6)

10. Being progressive, loaned one the money (8)

12. Reptile allegorised by Mrs Malaprop (9)

13. Use some complex Pelmanism to drive one out (5)

14. Can’t be excused from feeble dins in uproar (12)

18. Pawns rings: I am poet, it turns out (12)

21. Normal American dual-decapitation (5)

22. It’s a wonder pug can be so explosive! (9)

24. Complete appearance of satellite in the sky (4,4)

25. Repudiate wind so awkwardly! (6)

26. Echoing a son involved in accommodation payment (8)

27. Charles seeks to hold one with a lease (6)

DOWN

1. South of Oz, sat up with the craze (8)

2. Red couple, nothing less, so shut out in advance (8)

3. Is not to be believed in a supine position (5)

5. Supporting one from below, grin and end up at inn somehow (12)

6. A rep might tell raver to shift (9)

7. Cook’s formula for making one crepe? (6)

8. Odd, in being led astray – it’s a piece of cake! (6)

11. Is giving up the contest, one’s status being lowered (8,4)

15. He’s involved with wife and kids if many lam out (6,3)

16. Deliberate note of debt among the bosses (8)

17. Alienate the affections of the East? Curious! (8)

19. Ref making no end of fuss turning up must undergo pain (6)

20. Leaves about fifty for bed-covers (6)

23. Give one’s view of work in the East (5)