ACROSS
1 Something should, for a good spell. (4,4,1,5)
9 Just now appearing in China’s centennial… (7)
10 …and an Egyptian title given over a century ago. (7)
11 One might in starting the story of how a minor collision may end. (6)
12 A valeric change in the manner of such as Charles. (8)
14 Alga, possibly. (7)
15 War might be—on a salary? (5)
17 I objectively returned, and came across the less familiar name of a social worker. (5)
19 Carry a challenge in your suitcase, perhaps? (7)
21 Measured by the feet, obviously. (5,3)
23 See 8 down
25 Start the tune with something fresh (we hope). (4,3)
26 What none but the brave deserve? (7)
27 Sounds as though someone brought a ringer to the dance? (5,2,3,4)
DOWN
1 and 21 Character proving a little ursine. (6,3,4)
2 Lives with unnatural desires? (7)
3 Get ready to have a child with an old street singer? That’s the way to catch somone! (3,2,4)
4 A bird may fly better because of its tail. (4)
5 When the kids trip over their feet? (7,3)
6 Any he-animal gets shook up, but one just laughs. (5)
7 Sounds like the rule for pouring. (7)
8 and 23 across Evidently I’m accompanied by 21 down, if you’ll just be patient! (4,4,2)
13 It might be the express law golfers break. (5,5)
15 Possibly a more wise description might be tedious. (9)
16 It certainly doesn’t mean you’ve got it all together, making up lips as red as this. (9)
18 The cutter came the wrong way, evidently. (7)
20 This remarkable animal can hide in disguise. (7)
21 See 1 down
22 A long drawn-out speech. (5)
24 Short statement in passing? (4)
