Perplexity

We gave today's puzzle to the editor of this page a fortnight ago and he still hasn't solved it. Can you help? All you have to do is replace the crosses in this hexagonal array with the numbers 1 to 19, using each number only once, in such a way that all lines of 3, 4 or 5 numbers parallel to the sides of the figure add up to the same number. A prize of the new Chambers 21st Dictionary will be awarded to the sender of the first correct answer we open.

Send answers to: Perplexity, The Independent, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DL to arrive by 4 June.

17 May answers:

Bleak House (boules hake)

Oliver Twist (welt visitor))

Barnaby Rudge (bandager bury)

Winner: J Hassan (Cambridge)

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