CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 Has to pay for goods on delivery here (4-3-5)

9 One taking a chance at 21 down, say, can only get better (7)

10 Perform a musical work at an empty theatre (7)

11 Old writer had to start with some hope, nevertheless (4)

12 A little bird told us to pose some probing questions (5)

13 Draw a blank with a blue dye, for instance (4)

16 Cook up second roast pork, at first, for some clergymen (7)

17 Did a good boy study, at the end? It makes one cheer up (7)

18 A couple of chapters left to target plaudits (7)

21 Arranged for a parish to house a manned balloon (7)

23 Go back to animal auction in a street-car (4)

24 Get some perfume for small change in the US (5)

25 Large mammal, in the main, netted in a poor catch (4)

28 Using the decimal system , say, at the end can be emotional (7)

29 Is about to show what's what with censure ... (7)

30 ... and is about to be performing, at some stage, acting as an agent (12)

Down

2 Target fewer darts if lacking ambition (7)

3 Keep a firm grip on a place of confinement (4)

4 Runs over, right away, being highly strung (7)

5 To see a farm animal with some fish can be chilling (7)

6 Is it good to have some Greek characters go up in smoke (4)

7 Wanted to take a long time to study on the way back (7)

8 Get rid of a dish by auction at 21 down, say (7,5)

9 Might a syndicate lead a senior officer up in the air? (5-7)

14 May start short examination to get the message (5)

15 In fencing practice, has a break from using a light sword (5)

19 About to deal with threat directed by idle talk (7)

20 Many long to take note of a heavy knife (7)

21 Commonly, isn't about to race, finally, at the national course (7)

22 At length, go on about old barbed spear, in the main (7)

26 Break up second bit of shut-eye (4)

27 Odds on to return to the same place (4)