CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

3. Clearly the old boy takes six lousy changes! (9)

8. This way of doing things is not completely up-todate (4)

9. Barks at crush in informal images (9)

10. Contracted a gluttonous vice (6)

11. Play court? (5)

14. Bury in plain terms (5)

15. A group of three patriotic songs is included (4)

16. In a sense one can hardly be aimless about it (5)

18. Almost nobody has time (4)

20. Shaking like a writer (5)

21. Dark thing (5)

24. Refusal in deal (6)

25. Relations of right-wingers he controls? (9)

26. They are laid and sat on to produce more layers (4)

27. A gift only half taken before long (9)

DOWN

1. I’m under the doctor and can’t bear waiting (9)

2. Fair share taken after fuss – what exalted regard! (9)

4. String orchestra? (4)

5. Drive one politician to take on the Spanish (5)

6. Not even suffering slight pain? (6)

7. Many things for sale (4)

9. Prophets who are never in the dark? (5)

11. Go the rounds, perhaps (5)

12. The hunter’s paraphernalia? (9)

13. Without limit (but don’t be so jumpy?) (9)

17. Makes steam less unruly (5)

19. More than one over one over the eight (6)

22. Another one includes a wader (5)

23. Happier finish to column (4)

24. Do business in wood? (4)