CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. It takes little science, with steak, to steal apples (6)

8. A deserter, when half surrounded, shows great anger (5)

9. A strapping way to couple energy to work (7)

11. A sneak will show what the narrator will do (8)

12. The Sergeant-Major will annoy one with such an expression (5)

15. Being behind schedule, is no longer with us (4)

16. An attempt to give one a criminal hearing (3)

17. A Bacchic rite included in a major gymnastic event (4) 19. Perhaps Monsieur lies about his happy look (5)

21. A country trip, as sighted by returning sea voyager (8) 24. Bored youth-leader put on a sun-blind (7)

25. There’s nothing missing from the rut but the group of trees (5) 26. Something to trundle along to a burial-mound (6)

DOWN

2. Personal magnetism, as shown by an amulet (5)

3. Is one weakened by having one’s cheek removed? (8) 4. Being so caring, is now apathetic (4)

5. Drink first shandy with a show of pleasure (5) 6. Buddhist priest turning up in an ashram always (4) 7. May have torn hose, or something else on one’s foot (4)

10. Verse as composed by a friend may be considered separately (9)

12. It’s Dover’s only fish (4)

13. It isn’t a lord one will find living on public land (8) 14. Doctor Jekyll’s alter ego parked in London (4)

18. Still, so behind all? (5)

20. Fish, and nothing to follow but tongue (5)

21. Parts of darts matches in eleven parts at Bingo (4) 22. There isn’t any approval for such a cosy corner (4) 23. One gambolling, like Charles or Mary (4)

SATURDAY’S SOLUTION:

Across 1. Disfigurement 9. Remainder 10. Viand

11. Coley 12. Rock-solid 13. Indicted 15. Credit 18. Garage 20. Hospital

23. Refurbish 24. Tondo 25. Banal 26. Celluloid 27. Rhodes scholar

Down 1. Directing 2. Sampled 3. Icily 4. Undersea 5. Enrich 6. Eavesdrop

7. Trailed 8. Faded 14. Cigarillo 16. Tall order 17. Potholes 19. Refiner

21. Tinfoil 22. Circle 23. Robes 24. Truth