This puzzle originally appeared in the January 31, 1976, issue.
ACROSS
1 Song arrangement for those who don’t like it hot. (3-12)
9 Might one be privileged to handle what you will? (7)
10 Possibly a sign to play out in a ruin torn down by a bully. (7)
11 Tax this, and you’ll go scot-free. (6)
12 Well now, this has to be last! (5,3)
14 Possibly a blot under discussion here nowadays, perhaps associated with mail-carriers. (5-5)
15 It might make you feel bad if Deutschland doesn’t have any. (4)
17 The position of 24 might be wooden. (4)
19 The hard part with good service going to an old crab, for example. (10)
22 Under-fed around it, but still flourished. (8)
23 Tree to a dissident group in New York. (6)
25 Where Cleveland is upset with an inside traitor, completely in character. (7)
26 In which one probably doesn’t believe his team is involved. (7)
27 Did such a character step aside gracefully? (3,6,6)
DOWN
1 When a bowler falls down, for example, you should get the answer right away. (2,3,4,2,1,3)
2 Is one wrapped up in money? Quite the contrary. (7)
3 Eight-foot creatures? (8)
4 Another animal is hidden when the wolf of 22 doesn’t return. (4)
5 A description of the Prodigal Son? (10)
6 One way to counteract the position of unemployed actors. (6)
7 I start at time of trouble to copy things. (7)
8 Is one likely to grow things nicely? (9,6)
13 How the subject of kidnapping might be successfully handled. (7,3)
16 High-pressure advertising. (8)
18 Whip up a sudden flow of activity around the small business establishment. (7)
20 Looking at the copy with a critical eye. (7)
21 A, for example, part of 24. (6)
24 Protection might also be 17. (4)
Frank W. Lewis