CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

3 It’s assumed by one out of this world (5-4) 8 In the Psalter it explains a liturgy (4) 9 A rope must be twisted by a vermin catcher (5-4) 10 Saw you and I in a broken-down dive (6) 11 Assumes there are conflicts round the East (5) 14 Look for water to put the fire out? (5) 15 Rouse a knight about the start of the tourney (4) 16 Fancy things when one has retired (5) 18 The man who goes straight will follow it (4) 20 Intended to help the first person inside (5) 21 Have an attempt at composition (5) 24 Do their attitudes present the artist with problems? (6) 25 It’s fractionally above the line (9) 26 Girl showing signs of successful slimming, one hears (4) 27 Some adolescents are observed around a function (9)

DOWN

1 Making a stipulation for supplying what is needed (9) 2 Or a variety of white rose (9) 4 Poke softly with a stick (4) 5 Social distinction shown by those in play, we hear (5) 6 They need some pluck when the stairs are broken (6) 7 Terrible name for one near forefront of battle (4) 9 Some wedding-guests sounded kittenish inside (5) 11 Describing an untended garden of insipid character (5) 12 Rushes to upset step-dames (9) 13 Merchant and master intermingled (9) 17 Key officer (5) 19 One in an early sect showing a bit of boundless energy (6) 22 Not connected with an acting role (5) 23 Fish not caught, by the sound of it (4) 24 A European measure (4)