Document:

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                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.2

                         THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY

                      7% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2013

                            -------------------------

                                    INDENTURE

                            DATED AS OF JUNE 10, 2003

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                            -------------------------

                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK

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                                     TRUSTEE

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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

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                                    ARTICLE 1
                   DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

SECTION 1.1           DEFINITIONS................................................................................      1
SECTION 1.2           OTHER DEFINITIONS..........................................................................     26
SECTION 1.3           INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF TRUST INDENTURE ACT..........................................     27
SECTION 1.4           RULES OF CONSTRUCTION......................................................................     27
SECTION 1.5           COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES AND OPINIONS.......................................................     28
SECTION 1.6           FORM OF DOCUMENTS DELIVERED TO TRUSTEE.....................................................     28
SECTION 1.7           ACTS OF HOLDERS............................................................................     29

                                    ARTICLE 2
                                    THE NOTES

SECTION 2.1           FORM AND DATING............................................................................     30
SECTION 2.2           EXECUTION AND AUTHENTICATION...............................................................     31
SECTION 2.3           REGISTRAR AND PAYING AGENT.................................................................     31
SECTION 2.4           PAYING AGENT TO HOLD MONEY IN TRUST........................................................     32
SECTION 2.5           HOLDER LISTS...............................................................................     32
SECTION 2.6           TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE......................................................................     32
SECTION 2.7           REPLACEMENT NOTES..........................................................................     44
SECTION 2.8           OUTSTANDING NOTES..........................................................................     44
SECTION 2.9           TREASURY NOTES.............................................................................     44
SECTION 2.10          TEMPORARY NOTES............................................................................     45
SECTION 2.11          CANCELLATION...............................................................................     45
SECTION 2.12          DEFAULTED INTEREST.........................................................................     45
SECTION 2.13          CUSIP NUMBERS..............................................................................     46
SECTION 2.14          ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL NOTES...............................................................     46

                                    ARTICLE 3
                            REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT

SECTION 3.1           APPLICABILITY OF ARTICLE...................................................................     47
SECTION 3.2           ELECTION TO REDEEM; NOTICE TO TRUSTEE......................................................     47
SECTION 3.3           SELECTION BY TRUSTEE OF NOTES TO BE REDEEMED...............................................     47
SECTION 3.4           NOTICE OF REDEMPTION.......................................................................     47
SECTION 3.5           DEPOSIT OF REDEMPTION PRICE................................................................     48
SECTION 3.6           NOTES PAYABLE ON REDEMPTION DATE...........................................................     48
SECTION 3.7           NOTES REDEEMED IN PART.....................................................................     49
SECTION 3.8           OPTIONAL REDEMPTION........................................................................     49
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SECTION 3.9           MANDATORY REDEMPTION.......................................................................     50

                                    ARTICLE 4
                                    COVENANTS

SECTION 4.1           PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL, PREMIUM AND INTEREST.................................................     50
SECTION 4.2           MAINTENANCE OF OFFICE OR AGENCY............................................................     50
SECTION 4.3           MONEY FOR SECURITY PAYMENTS TO BE HELD IN TRUST............................................     50
SECTION 4.4           REPORTS....................................................................................     52
SECTION 4.5           STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE; NOTICE OF DEFAULT..............................................     52
SECTION 4.6           PAYMENT OF TAXES AND OTHER CLAIMS..........................................................     53
SECTION 4.7           LIMITATION ON LIENS........................................................................     53
SECTION 4.8           CORPORATE EXISTENCE........................................................................     53
SECTION 4.9           OFFER TO REPURCHASE UPON CHANGE OF CONTROL.................................................     54
SECTION 4.10          ASSET SALES................................................................................     56
SECTION 4.11          LIMITATION ON RESTRICTED PAYMENTS..........................................................     59
SECTION 4.12          LIMITATION ON INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS AND ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK...................     63
SECTION 4.13          TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES...............................................................     65
SECTION 4.14          DIVIDEND AND OTHER PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES..................     66
SECTION 4.15          LIMITATIONS ON GUARANTEES OF INDEBTEDNESS BY RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES.......................     68
SECTION 4.16          LIMITATION ON LAYERING INDEBTEDNESS........................................................     69
SECTION 4.17          LINE OF BUSINESS...........................................................................     69
SECTION 4.18          SUSPENSION OF COVENANTS....................................................................     69

                                    ARTICLE 5
                                   SUCCESSORS

SECTION 5.1           MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, OR SALE OF ALL OR SUBSTANTIALLY ALL ASSETS..........................     70
SECTION 5.2           SUCCESSOR CORPORATION SUBSTITUTED..........................................................     71

                                    ARTICLE 6
                              DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

SECTION 6.1           EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND NOTICE THEREOF.......................................................     72
SECTION 6.2           ACCELERATION OF MATURITY; RESCISSION.......................................................     73
SECTION 6.3           OTHER REMEDIES.............................................................................     74
SECTION 6.4           WAIVER OF PAST DEFAULTS....................................................................     74
SECTION 6.5           CONTROL BY MAJORITY........................................................................     74
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SECTION 6.6           LIMITATION ON SUITS........................................................................     74
SECTION 6.7           RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF NOTES TO RECEIVE PAYMENT..............................................     75
SECTION 6.8           COLLECTION SUIT BY TRUSTEE.................................................................     75
SECTION 6.9           TRUSTEE MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM...........................................................     75
SECTION 6.10          PRIORITIES.................................................................................     76
SECTION 6.11          UNDERTAKING FOR COSTS......................................................................     76
SECTION 6.12          WAIVER OF STAY, EXTENSION OF USURY LAWS....................................................     76

                                    ARTICLE 7
                                     TRUSTEE

SECTION 7.1           DUTIES OF TRUSTEE..........................................................................     77
SECTION 7.2           RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE..........................................................................     78
SECTION 7.3           INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE...............................................................     78
SECTION 7.4           TRUSTEE'S DISCLAIMER.......................................................................     78
SECTION 7.5           NOTICE OF DEFAULTS.........................................................................     79
SECTION 7.6           REPORTS BY TRUSTEE TO HOLDERS OF THE NOTES.................................................     79
SECTION 7.7           COMPENSATION AND INDEMNITY.................................................................     79
SECTION 7.8           REPLACEMENT OF TRUSTEE.....................................................................     80
SECTION 7.9           SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE BY MERGER, ETC...........................................................     81
SECTION 7.10          ELIGIBILITY; DISQUALIFICATION..............................................................     81
SECTION 7.11          PREFERENTIAL COLLECTION OF CLAIMS AGAINST THE COMPANY......................................     81
SECTION 7.12          RIGHTS OF HOLDERS WITH RESPECT TO TIME, METHOD AND PLACE...................................     81
SECTION 7.13          TRUSTEE'S APPLICATION FOR INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE COMPANY....................................     82

                                    ARTICLE 8
                       DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

SECTION 8.1           OPTION TO EFFECT DEFEASANCE OR COVENANT DEFEASANCE.........................................     82
SECTION 8.2           DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE...................................................................     82
SECTION 8.3           COVENANT DEFEASANCE........................................................................     83
SECTION 8.4           CONDITIONS TO DEFEASANCE OR COVENANT DEFEASANCE............................................     83
SECTION 8.5           DEPOSITED MONEY AND U.S.  GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS TO BE HELD IN TRUST; OTHER
                      MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. .................................................................     84
SECTION 8.6           REINSTATEMENT..............................................................................     85
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                                    ARTICLE 9
                        AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
SECTION 9.1           WITHOUT CONSENT OF HOLDERS OF NOTES........................................................      85
SECTION 9.2           WITH CONSENT OF HOLDERS OF NOTES...........................................................      86
SECTION 9.3           COMPLIANCE WITH TIA........................................................................      88
SECTION 9.4           REVOCATION AND EFFECT OF CONSENTS..........................................................      88
SECTION 9.5           NOTATION ON OR EXCHANGE OF NOTES...........................................................      88
SECTION 9.6           TRUSTEE TO SIGN AMENDMENTS, ETC............................................................      88

                                   ARTICLE 10
                                  SUBORDINATION

SECTION 10.1          AGREEMENT TO SUBORDINATE...................................................................      89
SECTION 10.2          LIQUIDATION; DISSOLUTION; BANKRUPTCY.......................................................      89
SECTION 10.3          DEFAULT ON DESIGNATED SENIOR DEBT..........................................................      89
SECTION 10.4          ACCELERATION OF SECURITIES.................................................................      90
SECTION 10.5          WHEN DISTRIBUTION MUST BE PAID OVER........................................................      90
SECTION 10.6          NOTICE BY COMPANY..........................................................................      90
SECTION 10.7          SUBROGATION................................................................................      91
SECTION 10.8          RELATIVE RIGHTS............................................................................      91
SECTION 10.9          SUBORDINATION MAY NOT BE IMPAIRED BY COMPANY...............................................      91
SECTION 10.10         DISTRIBUTION OR NOTICE TO REPRESENTATIVE...................................................      91
SECTION 10.11         RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE AND PAYING AGENT.........................................................      92
SECTION 10.12         AUTHORIZATION TO EFFECT SUBORDINATION......................................................      92

                                   ARTICLE 11
                           SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

SECTION 11.1          SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE....................................................      92
SECTION 11.2          APPLICATION OF TRUST MONEY.................................................................      93

                                   ARTICLE 12
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 12.1          CONFLICT OF ANY PROVISION OF INDENTURE WITH TIA............................................      94
SECTION 12.2          NOTICES....................................................................................      94
SECTION 12.3          COMMUNICATION BY HOLDERS OF NOTES WITH OTHER HOLDERS OF NOTES..............................      95
SECTION 12.4          CERTIFICATE AND OPINION AS TO CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.........................................      95
SECTION 12.5          LEGAL HOLIDAYS.............................................................................      95
SECTION 12.6          NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND STOCKHOLDERS...................      96
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SECTION 12.7          GOVERNING LAW..............................................................................      96
SECTION 12.8          NO ADVERSE INTERPRETATION OF OTHER AGREEMENTS..............................................      96
SECTION 12.9          SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.....................................................................      96
SECTION 12.10         SEVERABILITY...............................................................................      96
SECTION 12.11         COUNTERPART ORIGINALS......................................................................      96
SECTION 12.12         TABLE OF CONTENTS, HEADINGS, ETC...........................................................      96
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                                    INDENTURE

         INDENTURE dated as of June 10, 2003 between The Houston Exploration
Company, a Delaware corporation, and The Bank of New York, a New York banking
corporation, as trustee (the "TRUSTEE"). The Company and the Trustee agree as
follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of
the Holders of the 7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the "NOTES").

                                   ARTICLE 1
                   DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

         SECTION 1.1       DEFINITIONS.

         Set forth below are certain defined terms used in this Indenture.

         "ACQUIRED INDEBTEDNESS" means, with respect to any specified Person,
(i) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is
merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary or is designated a
Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, including, without limitation,
Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other
Person merging with or into or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of such
specified Person, and (ii) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset
acquired by such specified Person.

         "ADDITIONAL NOTES" means, subject to the Company's compliance with
Section 4.12, 7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 issued from time to time
after the Issue date under the terms of this Indenture (other than pursuant to
Sections 2.6, 2.7, 2.10 or 3.7 of this Indenture and other than new Notes issued
pursuant to the Exchange Offer for other Notes outstanding under this
Indenture).

         "ADJUSTED CONSOLIDATED NET TANGIBLE ASSETS" of a Person means (without
duplication), as of the date of determination, the sum of (i) discounted future
net cash flows from proved oil and gas reserves of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries, calculated in accordance with Commission guidelines
(before any federal or state income tax), as estimated by independent petroleum
engineers as of a date no earlier than the date of such Person's latest annual
consolidated financial statements (or, in the case that the date of
determination is after the end of the first fiscal quarter of such Person's
fiscal year, as estimated by such Person's engineers as of a date no earlier
than the end of the most recent fiscal quarter, which estimates shall be
confirmed in writing by a report by independent petroleum engineers in
accordance with Commission guidelines in the event of a Material Change if the
amount of Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets is required to be computed
under this Indenture); (ii) the Net Working Capital on a date no earlier than
the date of such Person's latest annual or quarterly consolidated financial
statements; and (iii) with respect to each other tangible asset of such Person
or its Restricted Subsidiaries, the greater of (A) the net book value of such
other tangible asset on a date no earlier than the date of such Person's latest
annual or quarterly consolidated financial statements, and (B) (1) the appraised
value, as estimated by a qualified independent appraiser, of such other tangible
asset, as of a date no earlier than the date that is three years prior to the
date of determination (or such later date on which such Person shall have a
reasonable

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basis to believe that there has occurred a material decrease in value since the
determination of such appraised value), minus (2) minority interests.

         "AFFILIATE" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, "control"
(including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlling," "controlled by"
and "under common control with"), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean
the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the
direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the
ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise; provided, that
beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the voting securities of a Person shall
be deemed to be control.

         "AGENT" means any Registrar, Paying Agent or co-registrar.

         "AGENT MEMBERS" means members of, or participants in, the Depository.

         "APPLICABLE PROCEDURES" means applicable procedures of the Depository,
Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be.

         "ASSET SALE" means any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition (or
series of related sales, leases, transfers or dispositions) by the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary, including any disposition by means of a merger,
consolidation or similar transaction (each referred to for the purposes of this
definition as a "disposition"), of:

         (i) any Equity Interests of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than
directors' qualifying shares or shares required by applicable law to be held by
a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary);

         (ii) all or substantially all the assets of any division or line of
business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; or

         (iii) any other assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary.

         Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term "Asset Sale" shall not include
any transaction (or any component of any transaction) described below:

         (1) any disposition of any assets or any issuance or sale of Equity
Interests, for net cash proceeds not in excess of $2.0 million or that have a
fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors) not in
excess of $2.0 million;

         (2) any disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company, in accordance with Section 5.1;

         (3) the abandonment, farmout, lease or sublease of developed or
undeveloped oil and gas properties in the ordinary course of business;

         (4) a disposition by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or by the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to a Wholly Owned Subsidiary;

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         (5) the consummation of (A) any Permitted Investment or (B) any
Restricted Payment that is permitted by Section 4.11;

         (6) the creation of a Permitted Lien;

         (7) the trade or exchange by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company of any oil and gas property or interest therein owned or held by
the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary for any oil and gas property or
interest therein owned or held by another Person, including any cash or Cash
Equivalents necessary in order to achieve an exchange of equivalent value
(provided that any such cash or Cash Equivalents received by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary will be subject to the provisions described in the second
paragraph of Section 4.10), which the Board of Directors determine in good faith
to be of approximately equivalent value;

         (8) any disposition of inventory, hydrocarbons or other mineral
products in the ordinary course of business;

         (9) the sale or transfer (whether or not in the ordinary course of
business) of any oil and gas property or interest therein to which no proved
reserves are attributable at the time of such sale or transfer;

         (10) any disposition of damaged, worn-out, unserviceable or other
obsolete property, including equipment;

         (11) any disposition of defaulted receivables that arose in the
ordinary course of business for collection, and any surrender or waiver of
contract rights, oil and gas leases, or the settlement, release or surrender of
contract, tort or other claims of any kind; and

         (12) a disposition of oil and natural gas properties in connection with
tax credit transactions complying with Section 29 or any successor or analogous
provisions of the Code.

         "BANKRUPTCY LAW" means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar foreign,
federal or state law for the relief of debtors.

         "BOARD OF DIRECTORS" means the board of directors of the Company or any
authorized committee of the board of directors.

         "BOARD RESOLUTION" means a copy of a resolution certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by
the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such
certification and delivered to the Trustee.

         "BROKER-DEALER" has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights
Agreement.

         "BUSINESS DAY" means any day other than a Legal Holiday.

         "CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATION" means, at the time any determination thereof
is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that
would at such time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in
accordance with GAAP.

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         "CAPITAL STOCK" means:

         (i) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;

         (ii) in the case of a limited liability company or similar entity, any
membership or similar interests therein;

         (iii) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all
shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however
designated) of corporate stock;

         (iv) in the case of a partnership, partnership interests (whether
general or limited); and

         (v) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the
right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of
assets of, the issuing Person.

         "CASH EQUIVALENTS" means:

         (i) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by
the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof having
maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition;

         (ii) certificates of deposit and eurodollar time deposits with
maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers'
acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits,
in each case with any domestic commercial bank having capital and surplus in
excess of $500.0 million;

         (iii) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days
for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (i) and (ii) above
entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified
in clause (ii) above;

         (iv) commercial paper having a rating of at least P1 from Moody's (or
its successor) or a rating of at least A1 from S&P (or its successor); and

         (v) investments in money market or other mutual funds all of whose
assets comprise securities of types described in clauses (i) through (iv) above.

         "CHANGE OF CONTROL" means the occurrence of any of the following:

         (i) any "Person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of
the Exchange Act), other than the Permitted Holders, is or becomes the
beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act,
except that a Person shall be deemed to have a "beneficial ownership" of all
shares that any such Person has the right to acquire, whether such right is
exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or
indirectly, of 35% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the
Company; provided, however, that the Permitted Holders beneficially own (as
defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or
indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the total voting power of
the Voting Stock of the Company than such other person (for purposes of this
definition, such other person shall be deemed to beneficially own any Voting
Stock of a specified corporation held by a

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parent corporation, if such other person is the beneficial owner (as defined
above), directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the voting power of the
Voting Stock of such parent corporation and the Permitted Holders beneficially
own (as defined in this proviso), directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a
lesser percentage of the Voting Stock of such parent corporation);

         (ii) the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other
than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related
transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any "Person" or group of related
Persons (a "Group") (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the
Exchange Act) other than the Permitted Holders;

         (iii) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution
of the Company; or

         (iv) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the
beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors (together with any
new directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for
election by the shareholders of the Company was approved by a vote of a majority
of the directors of the Company then still in office who were either directors
at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was
previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the
Board of Directors then in office.

         "CLEARSTREAM" means Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme.

         "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any
successor thereto.

         "COMPANY" means The Houston Exploration Company, a Delaware
corporation, and any successor thereto pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof.

         "COMMISSION" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "COMPANY REQUEST" or "COMPANY ORDER" means a written request or order
signed in the name of the Company (i) by its Chairman, a Vice Chairman, its
President or a Vice President and (ii) by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer,
its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary and delivered to the Trustee; provided,
however, that such written request or order may be signed by any two of the
officers listed in clause (i) above in lieu of being signed by one of such
officers listed in such clause (i) and one of the officers listed in clause (ii)
above.

         "CONSOLIDATED CASHFLOW" means, with respect to the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for any period, the sum of, without duplication,

         (i) the Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus

         (ii) to the extent deducted from Consolidated Net Income for such
period, the Fixed Charges for such period, plus

         (iii) Consolidated Income Taxes for such period, plus

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         (iv) consolidated depreciation, amortization, depletion, exploration
and other non-cash charges of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
required to be reflected as expenses on the books and records of the Company,
and

         (v) excluding the impact of foreign currency translations.

         Notwithstanding the foregoing, Consolidated Income Taxes of, and the
depreciation, depletion and amortization and other non-cash charges of, a
Restricted Subsidiary of a Person shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to
compute Consolidated Cashflow only to the extent that the Net Income of such
Restricted Subsidiary was included in calculating the Consolidated Net Income of
such Person and only if a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of
determination to be dividended to the Company by such Restricted Subsidiary
without prior approval (that has not been obtained), pursuant to the terms of
its charter and all agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees, orders,
statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to that Restricted
Subsidiary or its stockholders.

         "CONSOLIDATED INCOME TAXES" means, with respect to any Person for any
period, taxes imposed upon such Person or other payments required to be made by
such Person by any governmental authority which taxes or other payments are
calculated by reference to the income or profits of such Person or such Person
and its Subsidiaries (to the extent such income or profits were included in
computing Consolidated Net Income for such period), regardless of whether such
taxes or payments are required to be remitted to any governmental authority.

         "CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME" means, with respect to any Person for any
period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance
with GAAP (excluding the Net Income of Unrestricted Subsidiaries); provided,
that:

         (i) the Net Income (but not loss) of any Person that is not a
Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of
accounting shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or
distributions paid in cash to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary
thereof;

         (ii) the Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded to
the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions
by that Restricted Subsidiary of that Net Income is not at the date of
determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not
been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its
charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or
governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its
stockholders;

         (iii) the Net Income of any Person acquired in a pooling of interests
transaction for any period prior to the date of such acquisition shall be
excluded;

         (iv) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall
be excluded;

         (v) any non-cash mark-to-market adjustments to assets or liabilities
resulting in unrealized gains or losses in respect of Hedging Obligations and
Oil and Natural Gas Hedging

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Contracts (including those resulting from the application of Statements of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133) shall be excluded;

         (vi) any impairments or write-downs of oil and natural gas assets,
shall be excluded (provided, however, that ceiling limitation write-downs in
accordance with GAAP shall be treated as capitalized costs), as if such
write-downs had not occurred; and

         (vii) any non-cash compensation charge arising from any grant of stock,
stock options or other equity-based awards shall be excluded.

         "CONSOLIDATED TOTAL INDEBTEDNESS" means, with respect to any Person for
any period, the aggregate of the Indebtedness of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries as at the end of such period, on a consolidated basis, determined
in accordance with GAAP.

         "CORPORATE TRUST OFFICE OF THE TRUSTEE" shall be at the address of the
Trustee specified in Section 12.2 hereof or such other address as to which the
Trustee may give notice to the Company.

         "CREDIT AGREEMENT" means, collectively, (i) that certain Revolving
Credit Facility dated July 15, 2002 between the Company and Wachovia Bank,
National Association, as issuing bank and administrative agent, Bank of Nova
Scotia and Fleet National Bank, as co-syndication agents, and BNP Paribas, as
documentation agent, as effect on the Issue Date, as the foregoing may from time
to time be amended, renewed, supplemented or otherwise modified at the option of
the parties thereto, including increases in the principal amount thereof; and
(ii) any successors to or replacements of (as designated by the Board of
Directors of the Company in its sole judgment, and evidenced by a resolution)
such Credit Agreement, as such successors or replacements may from time to time
be amended, renewed, supplemented, modified or replaced, including increases in
the principal amount thereof.

         "CUSTODIAN" means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or
similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

         "DEFAULT" means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the
giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

         "DEFINITIVE NOTES" means Restricted Definitive Notes and Unrestricted
Definitive Notes.

         "DEPOSITORY" means, with respect to any Notes issuable or issued in
whole or in part in global form, the Person specified in Section 2.3 hereof as
the Depository with respect to such Notes, until a successor shall have been
appointed and become such Depository pursuant to the applicable provision of
this Indenture, and, thereafter, "Depository" shall mean or include such
successor.

         "DESIGNATED SENIOR DEBT" means (i) the Credit Agreement and (ii) any
Senior Debt permitted under this Indenture which, at the date of determination,
has an aggregate principal amount outstanding of, or under which, at the date of
determination, the holders thereof are committed to lend up to, at least $25.0
million and is specifically designated by the Company in

                                       7

<PAGE>

the instrument evidencing or governing such Senior Debt as "Designated Senior
Debt" for purposes of this Indenture.

         "DISQUALIFIED STOCK" means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by
the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is
exchangeable) or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily
redeemable (other than in connection with a Change of Control or Asset Sale) for
any consideration other than Capital Stock, pursuant to a sinking fund
obligation or otherwise, is convertible or is exchangeable for Indebtedness or
Disqualified Stock or redeemable (other than in connection with a Change of
Control or Asset Sale) for any consideration other than Capital Stock at the
option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, in each case on or prior to
the date that is 91 days after (x) the date on which the Notes mature or (y) on
which there are no Notes outstanding.

         "DOLLAR-DENOMINATED PRODUCTION PAYMENTS" means production payment
obligations recorded as liabilities in accordance with GAAP, together with all
undertakings and obligations in connection therewith.

         "DOMESTIC RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" means a Restricted Subsidiary
incorporated or organized under the laws of the United States of America, any
State thereof or the District of Columbia.

         "EQUITY INTERESTS" means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or
other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is
convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

         "EQUITY OFFERING" means any registered public offering (other than on
Form S-8 (or any successor thereto) and other than any issuance of securities
under any benefit plan of the Company) or unregistered offering or private
placement, in each case, of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of
the Company or of any successor by merger to the Company.

         "EUROCLEAR" means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.

         "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

         "EXCHANGE OFFER" means the offer that may be made by the Company
pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement to exchange new Notes for Notes.

         "EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS" means the Indebtedness of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement) in
existence on the Issue Date, until such amounts are repaid.

         "FIXED CHARGES" means, with respect to any Person for any Reference
Period, the sum, without duplication, of:

         (i) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such Reference Period, whether paid or accrued (including,
without limitation, amortization of original issue discount, non-cash interest
payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the
interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease

                                       8

<PAGE>

Obligations, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in
respect of letter of credit or bankers' acceptance financings, and net payments
(if any) pursuant to Hedging Obligations), and

         (ii) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period, and

         (iii) any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is
guaranteed by such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a
Lien on assets of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries (whether or
not such guarantee or Lien is called upon), and

         (iv) all dividend payments, whether or not in cash (other than any such
non-cash dividend in the form of Equity Interests which do not provide for the
payment of cash dividends prior to any stated maturity of the principal of the
Notes), on any series of preferred stock of any such Person or one of its
Restricted Subsidiaries payable to a party other than the Company or a Wholly
Owned Subsidiary,

minus, to the extent included above, write-offs of deferred financing costs and
interest attributable to Dollar-Denominated Production Payments.

         "FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO" means with respect to any Person for any
Reference Period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cashflow of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person and
its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period. In the event that the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, guarantees, redeems or
repays any Indebtedness (other than the incurrence or repayment of revolving
credit borrowings used for working capital, except to the extent that a
repayment is accompanied by a permanent reduction in revolving credit
commitments) or issues Disqualified Stock subsequent to the commencement of the
Reference Period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated
but prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the "Calculation Date"), then the Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence,
assumption, guarantee, redemption or repayment of Indebtedness, or such issuance
or redemption of Disqualified Stock, as if the same had occurred at the
beginning of the applicable Reference Period.

For purposes of making the computation referred to above in this definition:

         (i) acquisitions that have been made by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations and
including any related financing transactions, during the Reference Period or
subsequent to such Reference Period and on or prior to the Calculation Date
shall be deemed to have occurred on the first day of the Reference Period and
pro forma effect shall be given to the Consolidated Cashflow and Indebtedness
and Disqualified Stock of the Person which is the subject of any such
acquisition and any cost savings or expense reductions attributable at the time
of such computation or to be attributable in the future to such acquisition,
shall be included in such computation (provided, that the pro forma calculations
shall be determined in good faith on a reasonable basis by a responsible
financial or accounting Officer of the Company), and Consolidated Cashflow for
such Reference

                                       9

<PAGE>

Period shall be calculated without giving effect to clause (iii) of the proviso
set forth in the definition of the term "Consolidated Net Income";

         (ii) the net proceeds of Indebtedness incurred or Disqualified Stock
issued by the referent Person during the Reference Period or subsequent to such
Reference Period and on or prior to the Calculation Date shall be deemed to have
been received by the referent Persons or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on
the first day of the Reference Period and applied to its intended use on such
date;

         (iii) the Consolidated Cashflow attributable to discontinued
operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses
disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded;

         (iv) the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as
determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of
prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that
the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the
referent Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation
Date; and

         (v) the Fixed Charges attributable to interest on any Indebtedness or
dividends on any Disqualified Stock bearing a floating interest (or dividend)
rate shall be computed on a pro forma basis as if the average rate in effect
from the beginning of the Reference Period to the Calculation Date had been the
applicable rate for the entire period, unless such Person or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to an applicable Hedging Obligation (which shall remain
in effect for the 12-month period immediately following the Calculation Date)
that has the effect of fixing the interest rate on the date of computation, in
which case such rate (whether higher or lower) shall be used.

         "FOREIGN RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" means a Restricted Subsidiary that is
not a Domestic Restricted Subsidiary.

         "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the
opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of
the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such
other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting
profession, which are in effect from time to time.

         "GLOBAL NOTE" means, individually and collectively, the Regulation S
Global Note, the Rule 144A Global Note and the Unrestricted Global Note.

         "GOVERNMENT SECURITIES" means direct obligations of, or obligations
guaranteed by, the United States of America for the payment of which guarantee
or obligations the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged.

         "HEDGING OBLIGATIONS" means, with respect to any Person, the
obligations of such Person under (i) interest rate or currency exchange swap
agreements, interest rate or currency exchange cap agreements and interest rate
or currency exchange collar agreements and (ii) other

                                       10

<PAGE>

agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations
in currency exchange or interest rates.

         "HOLDER" means a Person in whose name a Note is registered on the
Registrar's books.

         "INDEBTEDNESS" means, with respect to any Person, without duplication,
any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent:

         (i) in respect of borrowed money;

         (ii) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or
letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);

         (iii) in respect of banker's acceptances;

         (iv) representing Capital Lease Obligations;

         (v) in respect of any guarantee by such Person of production or payment
with respect to a Production Payment;

         (vi) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price
of any property, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or
trade payable; or

         (vii) representing any Hedging Obligation,

if and to the extent any of the foregoing indebtedness (other than letters of
credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet
of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

In addition, the term "Indebtedness" includes (a) all indebtedness of any other
Person, of the types described above in clauses (i) through (vii), secured by a
Lien on any asset of such Person (whether or not such indebtedness is assumed by
such Person), and (b) to the extent not otherwise included, the guarantee by
such Person of any indebtedness of any other Person of the types described above
in clauses (i) through (vii).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shall not constitute
"Indebtedness":

         (i) accrued expenses and trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary
course of business;

         (ii) any obligation in respect of any Production Payment, royalty,
overriding royalty, net profits interest, master limited partnership interest or
other interest in oil and natural gas properties, reserves or the right to
receive all or a portion of the production or the proceeds from the sale of
production attributable to such properties;

         (iii) any obligation in respect of a farm-in agreement;

         (iv) any indebtedness which has been defeased in accordance with GAAP
or defeased pursuant to the deposit of cash or Government Securities (in an
amount sufficient to satisfy all

                                       11

<PAGE>

such indebtedness obligations at maturity or redemption, as applicable, and all
payments of interest and premium, if any) in a trust or account created or
pledged for the sole benefit of the holders of such indebtedness, and subject to
no other Liens, and the other applicable terms of the instrument governing such
indebtedness;

         (v) oil or gas balancing liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practice;

         (vi) any obligation in respect of any Oil and Natural Gas Hedging
Contract;

         (vii) and obligations in respect of completion bonds, performance
bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds, bankers acceptances, letters of
credit, insurance obligations or bonds and other similar bonds and obligations
incurred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of
business and any guaranties or letters of credit functioning as or supporting
any of the foregoing bonds or obligations;

         (viii) any obligation arising from the honoring by a bank or other
financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against
insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business (provided, however, that
such obligation is extinguished within five Business Days of its incurrence);

         (ix) any obligation arising from any agreement providing for
indemnities, guarantees, purchase price adjustments, holdbacks, contingency
payment obligations based on the performance of the acquired or disposed assets
or similar obligations (other than guarantees of Indebtedness) incurred by any
Person in connection with the acquisition or disposition of assets; and

         (x) all contracts and other obligations, agreements instruments or
arrangements described in clauses (ix), (x), (xi), (xii) and (xv) of the
definition of the term "Permitted Liens."

         "INDENTURE" means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time
to time.

         "INITIAL PURCHASERS" means Wachovia Securities, Inc., Lehman Brothers
Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Fleet Securities, Inc. and Scotia Capital
(USA) Inc.

         "INTEREST PAYMENT DATE" means each June 15 and December 15, whether or
not such day is a Business Day.

         "INVESTMENT GRADE RATING" means a rating of "BBB-" or higher from S&P
(or any successor thereto) or a rating of "Baa3" or higher from Moody's (or any
successor thereto), as the case may be.

         "INVESTMENTS" means, with respect to any Person, all investments by
such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of direct or
indirect loans (including guarantees of Indebtedness or other obligations, but
excluding trade credit), advances or capital contributions, purchases or other
acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other
securities and all other items that are or would be classified as investments on
a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP. If the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the

                                       12

<PAGE>

Company sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or
indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Company such that, after giving effect to
any such sale or disposition, such entity is no longer a Subsidiary of the
Company, the Company shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of
any such sale or disposition equal to the fair market value of the Equity
Interests of such Subsidiary not sold or disposed of.

         "ISSUE DATE" means the closing date for the sale and original issuance
of the first Notes issued pursuant to this Indenture.

         "LEGAL HOLIDAY" means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which federal
offices or banking institutions in the City of New York, in the city of the
Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, or at a place of payment are authorized
by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed. If a payment date is a
Legal Holiday, payment may be made on the next succeeding day that is not a
Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.

         "LEVERAGE RATIO" means, with respect to any Person for any Reference
Period, the ratio of (a) the Consolidated Total Indebtedness of such Person and
its Restricted Subsidiaries to (b) the Consolidated Cashflow of such Person and
its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period. In the event that the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, guarantees, redeems or
repays any Indebtedness (other than the incurrence or repayment of revolving
credit borrowings used for working capital, except to the extent that a
repayment is accompanied by a permanent reduction in revolving credit
commitments) or issues Disqualified Stock subsequent to the commencement of the
Reference Period for which the Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to
the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Leverage Ratio is
made (the "Calculation Date"), then the Leverage Ratio shall be calculated
giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee, redemption or
repayment of Indebtedness, or such issuance or redemption of Disqualified Stock,
as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable Reference Period.
For purposes of making the computation referred to above in this definition:

         (i) acquisitions that have been made by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations and
including any related financing transactions, during the Reference Period or
subsequent to such Reference Period and on or prior to the Calculation Date
shall be deemed to have occurred on the first day of the Reference Period and
shall give pro forma effect to the Consolidated Cashflow and Indebtedness and
Disqualified Stock of the Person which is the subject of any such acquisition
and any cost savings or expense reductions attributable at the time of such
computation or to be attributable in the future to such acquisition, shall be
included in such computation (provided, that the pro forma calculations shall be
determined in good faith on a reasonable basis by a responsible financial or
accounting Officer of the Company), and Consolidated Cashflow for such Reference
Period shall be calculated without giving effect to clause (iii) of the proviso
set forth in the definition of the term "Consolidated Net Income";

         (ii) the net proceeds of Indebtedness incurred or Disqualified Stock
issued by the referent Person during the Reference Period or subsequent to such
Reference Period and on or prior to the Calculation Date shall be deemed to have
been received by the referent Persons or any of its

                                       13

<PAGE>

Restricted Subsidiaries on the first day of the Reference Period and applied to
its intended use on such date;

         (iii) the Consolidated Cashflow attributable to discontinued
operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses
disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded;

         (iv) the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as
determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of
prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that
the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the
referent Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation
Date; and

         (v) the Fixed Charges attributable to interest on any Indebtedness or
dividends on any Disqualified Stock bearing a floating interest (or dividend)
rate shall be computed on a pro forma basis as if the average rate in effect
from the beginning of the Reference Period to the Calculation Date had been the
applicable rate for the entire period, unless such Person or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to an applicable Hedging Obligation (which shall remain
in effect for the 12-month period immediately following the Calculation Date)
that has the effect of fixing the interest rate on the date of computation, in
which case such rate (whether higher or lower) shall be used.

         "LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL" means the letter of transmittal to be prepared
by the Company and sent to all Holders of the Notes for use by such Holders in
connection with the Exchange Offer.

         "LIEN" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge,
charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset,
whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law
(including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in
the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security
interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under
the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction).

         "LIQUIDATED DAMAGES" means all Liquidated Damages (as defined in the
Registration Rights Agreement), if any owed pursuant to the Registration Rights
Agreement.

         "MATERIAL CHANGE" means an increase or decrease of more than 20% during
a fiscal quarter in the discounted future net cash flows (excluding changes that
result solely from changes in prices) from proved oil and gas reserves of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries calculated in accordance with Commission
guidelines (before any federal or state income tax); provided, however, that the
following will be excluded from the Material Change calculation: (i) any
acquisitions during the quarter of oil and gas reserves that have been estimated
by independent petroleum engineers and on which a report or reports exist; (ii)
any reserves added during the quarter attributable to the drilling or
recompletion of wells not included in previous reserve estimates, but which will
be included in future quarters; and (iii) any disposition of properties existing
at the beginning of such quarter that have been disposed of as provided in
Section 4.10 hereof.

                                       14

<PAGE>

         "MATURITY" when used in respect to any Note means the date on which the
principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such Note becomes due and
payable as therein or herein provided, whether at Stated Maturity or the
applicable Redemption Date and whether by declaration of acceleration, call for
redemption or otherwise.

         "MOODY'S" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or any successor
thereto.

         "NET INCOME" means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss)
of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP, and before reduction for
non-cash preferred stock dividends, excluding, however, (i) any gain or loss,
together with any related provision for taxes on such gain or loss, realized in
connection with (a) any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, dispositions
pursuant to sale and leaseback transactions) or (b) the disposition of any
securities by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the
extinguishment of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries and (ii) any extraordinary or nonrecurring gain or loss, together
with any related provision for taxes on such extraordinary or nonrecurring gain
or loss.

         "NET PROCEEDS" means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale
(including, without limitation, any cash received upon the sale or other
disposition of any non-Cash Consideration received in any Asset Sale), net of:

         (a) the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale (including, without
limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and sales
commissions) and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes
paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax
credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements);

         (b) any reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale price of the
asset or assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale, established in
accordance with GAAP;

         (c) any amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness
(other than Indebtedness under any Senior Debt) secured by a Lien on the asset
or assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale; and

         (d) all distributions and other payments required to be made to
minority interest holders in Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such Asset
Sale.

         "NET WORKING CAPITAL" means (i) all current assets of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries excluding cash and Cash Equivalents, minus (ii) all
current liabilities of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, except
current liabilities included in Indebtedness.

         "NON-RECOURSE DEBT" means Indebtedness (i) as to which neither the
Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) provides any guarantee or
credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, guarantee, indemnity,
agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness) or (b) is directly
or indirectly liable (as a guarantor or otherwise); (ii) no default with respect
to which (including any rights that the Holders thereof may have to take
enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit (upon
notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of any other Indebtedness of the
Company or any of its Restricted

                                       15

<PAGE>

Subsidiaries to declare a default under such other Indebtedness or cause the
payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity; and
(iii) the explicit terms of which provide that there is no recourse against any
of the assets of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries.

         "NON-U.S. PERSON" shall mean a Person who is not a U.S. Person, as such
term is defined in Regulation S.

         "NOTES" means the Company's 7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013
issued under this Indenture.

         "NOTE CUSTODIAN" means the Trustee, as custodian with respect to the
Global Notes, or any successor entity thereto.

         "OBLIGATIONS" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees,
Liquidated Damages, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other
liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

         "OFFERING MEMORANDUM" means the Company's Offering Memorandum dated
June 5, 2003 relating to the offering of the Notes issued and sold on the Issue
Date.

         "OFFICER" means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board,
the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the
Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller,
the Secretary or any Vice President of such Person.

         "OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE" means a certificate signed on behalf of the
Company by two officers of the Company, one of whom must be the principal
executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the
principal accounting officer of the Company that meets the requirements set
forth in Section 1.5.

         "OIL AND GAS BUSINESS" means:

         (i) the acquisition, exploration, exploitation, development, operation
or disposition of interests in oil, gas or other hydrocarbon properties;

         (ii) the gathering, marketing, treating, processing, storage, selling,
transporting or refining of any production from such interests or properties;

         (iii) any business relating to or arising from exploration for or
development, production, gathering, marketing, treatment, processing, storage,
sale, transportation or refining of oil, gas and other minerals and products
produced in association therewith;

         (iv) any business relating to oilfield sales and services; or

         (v) any activity that is ancillary or necessary or desirable to
facilitate the activities described in clauses (i) through (iv) of this
definition.

                                       16

<PAGE>

         "OIL AND NATURAL GAS HEDGING CONTRACT" means any oil and natural gas
hedging agreements and other agreements or arrangements entered into in the
ordinary course of business in the oil and gas industry for the purpose of
protecting against fluctuations in oil or natural gas prices.

         "OPINION OF COUNSEL" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be an
employee of or counsel for the Company. Each such opinion shall include the
statements provided for in TIA Section 314(e) to the extent applicable.

         "PARI PASSU INDEBTEDNESS" means Indebtedness that ranks pari passu in
right of payment to the Notes.

         "PERMITTED BUSINESS INVESTMENTS" means Investments and expenditures
made in the ordinary course of, and of a nature that is or shall have become
customary in, the Oil and Gas Business as means of actively exploiting,
exploring for, acquiring, developing, processing, gathering, marketing or
transporting oil, natural gas, other hydrocarbons and minerals through
agreements, transactions, interests or arrangements that permit one to share
risks or costs, comply with regulatory requirements regarding local ownership or
satisfy other objectives customarily achieved through the conduct of the Oil and
Gas Business jointly with third parties, including without limitation, (i)
ownership interests in oil, natural gas, other hydrocarbons and minerals
properties or gathering, transportation, processing, storage or related systems
and (ii) any operating agreements, joint ventures, partnership agreements,
working interests, royalty interests, mineral leases, processing agreements,
farm-in agreements, farm-out agreements, contracts for the sale, transportation
or exchange of oil, natural gas and other hydrocarbons, unitization agreements,
pooling arrangements, joint bidding agreements, service contracts, partnership
agreements, subscription agreements, stock purchase agreements, stockholder
agreements, area of mutual interest agreements, production sharing agreements or
other similar or customary agreements, transactions, properties, interests, or
arrangements, and Investments and expenditures in connection therewith or
pursuant thereto.

         "PERMITTED HOLDERS" means THEC Holding Corp., The Brooklyn Union Gas
Company, KeySpan Energy Corporation and (to the extent it has consummated a
merger, consolidation or other business combination transaction with KeySpan
Energy Corporation) Long Island Lighting Company, any direct or indirect wholly
owned subsidiary of the foregoing Persons, and any successor or Affiliate of any
such Person.

         "PERMITTED INVESTMENTS" means any:

         (i) Investments in the Company or in a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company that is engaged in the Oil and Gas Business;

         (ii) Investments in cash or Cash Equivalents;

         (iii) Investments in another Person if, as a result of such Investment,
such other Person is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or
conveys all or substantially all its assets to, the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary (provided, however, that such Person is engaged in the Oil and Gas
Business);

                                       17

<PAGE>

         (iv) Investments made as a result of the receipt of non-cash
consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance
with Section 4.10;

         (v) loans and advances to employees in the ordinary course of business
for bona fide business purposes;

         (vi) Investments in any Person received in settlement of debts created
in the ordinary course of business and owing to the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or in satisfaction of judgments or pursuant to any plan of
reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any
debtor;

         (vii) Permitted Business Investments;

         (viii) guarantees of performance or other obligations (other than
Indebtedness) arising in the ordinary course in the Oil and Gas Business,
including obligations under oil and natural gas exploration, development, joint
operating, and related agreements and licenses or concessions related to the Oil
and Gas Business;

         (ix) accounts receivable created or acquired, and prepaid expenses
arising, in the ordinary course of business;

         (x) Investments existing on the Issue Date;

         (xi) payroll, commission, travel, relocation and similar advances to
officers, directors and employees made in the ordinary course of business;

         (xii) Investment in any Person to the extent such Investment consists
of prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and lease,
utility and workers' compensation, performance and other similar deposits made
in the ordinary course of business by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;

         (xiii) Hedging Obligations and Oil and Natural Gas Hedging Contracts;

         (xiv) endorsements of negotiable instruments and documents in the
ordinary course of business;

         (xv) Permitted Marketing Transactions;

         (xvi) acquisitions of assets, Equity Interests or other securities by
the Company for consideration consisting of common equity securities of the
Company; and

         (xvii) Investments in the Notes.

         "PERMITTED LIENS" means:

         (i) Liens securing Indebtedness of a Subsidiary or Liens securing
Senior Debt that is outstanding on the Issue Date and Liens securing Senior Debt
that is permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be incurred;

                                       18

<PAGE>

         (ii) Liens in favor of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;

         (iii) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition thereof by
the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company and Liens on property or assets of
a Subsidiary existing at the time it became a Subsidiary (provided, that such
Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of the acquisition and do not
extend to any assets other than the acquired property or the property of the
acquired Subsidiary);

         (iv) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business
in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance or other kinds
of social security, or to secure the payment or performance of tenders, bids,
contracts (other than contracts for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to
which such Person is a party, statutory or regulatory obligations, surety or
appeal bonds, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred
in the ordinary course of business (including lessee or operator obligations
under statutes, governmental regulations or instruments related to the
ownership, exploration and production of oil, gas and minerals on state or
federal lands or waters);

         (v) Liens existing on the Issue Date;

         (vi) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims
that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently concluded (provided,
that any reserve or other appropriate provision as shall be required in
conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor);

         (vii) statutory liens of landlords, mechanics, suppliers, vendors,
warehousemen, carriers or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of
business;

         (viii) pre-judgment liens and judgment Liens not giving rise to an
Event of Default so long as any appropriate legal proceeding that may have been
duly initiated for the review of such judgment shall not have been finally
terminated or the period within which such proceeding may be initiated shall not
have expired;

         (ix) Liens on, or related to, properties or assets to secure all or
part of the costs incurred in the ordinary course of the Oil and Gas Business
for the exploration, drilling, development, production, processing,
transportation, marketing, storage or operation thereof;

         (x) Liens on pipeline or pipeline facilities that arise under operation
of law;

         (xi) Liens arising under operating agreements, joint venture
agreements, partnership agreements, oil and gas leases, farm-in agreements,
farm-out agreements, assignments, purchase and sale agreements, division orders,
contracts for the sale, purchase, processing, transportation or exchange of oil
or natural gas, unitization and pooling declarations and agreements, development
agreements, area of mutual interest agreements and other agreements that are
customary in the Oil and Gas Business;

         (xii) Liens reserved in oil and gas mineral leases for bonus, royalty
or rental payments and for compliance with the terms of such leases;

                                       19

<PAGE>

         (xiii) Liens securing the Notes;

         (xiv) Liens constituting survey exceptions, encumbrances, easements,
and reservations of, and rights to others for, rights-of-way, zoning and other
restrictions as to the use of real properties, and minor defects of title which,
in the case of any of the foregoing, do not secure the payment of borrowed
money, and in the aggregate do not materially adversely affect the value of the
assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or
materially impair the use of such properties for the purposes of which such
properties are held by the Company or such Subsidiaries;

         (xv) leases, pooling agreements, unitization agreements, subleases,
licenses or sublicenses, royalties, joint interest billing arrangements, net
profits interests, participation agreements, and arrangements similar to any of
the foregoing, entered into in the ordinary course of business;

         (xvi) Liens securing Indebtedness incurred to finance the construction,
purchase or lease of, or repairs, improvements or additions to, property, plant
or equipment of such Person (provided, however, that the Lien may not extend to
any other property owned by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries at
the time the Lien is incurred or created (other than assets and property affixed
or appurtenant thereto), and the Indebtedness (other than any interest thereon)
secured by the Lien may not be incurred or created more than 180 days after the
later of the acquisition, completion of construction, repair, improvement,
addition or commencement of full operation of the property subject to the Lien);

         (xvii) Liens to secure Production Payments that are not prohibited by
this Indenture; and

         (xviii) Liens not otherwise permitted by clauses (i) through (xvii)
that are incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company or any
Subsidiary with respect to obligations that do not exceed $10.0 million at any
one time outstanding.

         "PERMITTED MARKETING TRANSACTION" means:

         (i) a transaction in which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company
either

                  (a) establishes a position using New York Mercantile Exchange
Crude Oil or Natural Gas Futures contracts to purchase hydrocarbons for future
delivery to it or

                  (b) purchases or commits to purchase hydrocarbons for future
delivery to it, and contemporaneous with such purchase transaction either (1)
establishes one or more positions using New York Mercantile Exchange Crude Oil
or Natural Gas Futures contracts to resell at a date subsequent to such delivery
date or (2) enters into a contract with a Person to resell at a date subsequent
to such delivery date, a similar aggregate quantity and quality of hydrocarbons
as so purchased by the Company or such Subsidiary, as applicable, at an
aggregate price greater than the Indebtedness incurred for the hydrocarbons so
purchased by the Company or such Subsidiary, or

         (ii) any other purchase by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company
of hydrocarbons for which the Company or such Subsidiary has contracts to sell.

                                       20

<PAGE>

         "PERMITTED REFINANCING INDEBTEDNESS" means any Indebtedness of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and any Disqualified Stock of the
Company, in each case, issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are
used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease, refund or otherwise retire
for value, in whole or in part, other Indebtedness of the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries or any Disqualified Stock of the Company; provided,
that:

         (i) the principal amount (or accreted value or liquidation preference,
if applicable) of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the
original principal amount (or then current accreted value or liquidation
preference, if applicable) of the Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock so
extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, refunded or otherwise retired
(plus the amount of reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith);

         (ii) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date
(or redemption date, if applicable) at least as late as the final maturity date
(or redemption date, if applicable) of, and has a Weighted Average Life to
Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the
Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock being extended, refinanced, renewed,
replaced, defeased, refunded or otherwise retired for value;

         (iii) if the Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock being extended,
refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, refunded or otherwise retired for value
is subordinated or junior in right of payment to the Notes, such Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date (or redemption date, if
applicable) later than the final maturity date of, and is subordinated in right
of payment to, the Notes on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of Notes
as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness or
Disqualified Stock being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased,
refunded or otherwise retired for value; and

         (iv) such Disqualified Stock is issued by the Company, and such
Indebtedness is incurred either by the Company or by the Restricted Subsidiary
who is the obligor on the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed,
replaced, defeased, refunded or otherwise retired for value.

         "PERSON" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited
liability company, or other business entity or government or agency or political
subdivision thereof (including any subdivision or ongoing business of any such
entity or substantially all of the assets of any such entity, subdivision or
business).

         "PRIVATE PLACEMENT LEGEND" means the legend set forth in Section
2.6(g)(i)(A) to be placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture except as
permitted pursuant to Section 2.6(g)(i)(B).

         "PRODUCTION PAYMENTS" means Dollar-Denominated Production Payments and
Volumetric Production Payments, collectively.

         "PURCHASE MONEY LIEN" means a Lien granted on an asset or property to
secure a Purchase Money Obligation permitted to be incurred under this Indenture
and incurred solely to finance the purchase, or the cost of construction or
improvement, of such asset or property; provided, however, that such Lien
encumbers only such asset or property and is granted within 180 days of such
acquisition.

                                       21

<PAGE>

         "PURCHASE MONEY OBLIGATIONS" of any Person means any obligations of
such Person to any seller or any other Person incurred or assumed to finance the
purchase, or the cost of construction or improvement, of real or personal
property to be used in the business of such Person or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries in an amount that is not more than 100% of the cost, or fair market
value, as appropriate, of such property, and incurred within 90 days after the
date of such acquisition (excluding accounts payable to trade creditors incurred
in the ordinary course of business).

         "QIB" means a "qualified institutional buyer" as defined in Rule 144A.

         "RATINGS AGENCIES" means S&P and Moody's.

         "REDEMPTION DATE," when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed,
means the date fixed for such redemption pursuant to this Indenture.

         "REDEMPTION PRICE," when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed,
means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

         "REFERENCE PERIOD" with regard to any Person means the four full fiscal
quarters (or such lesser period during which such Person has been in existence)
ended immediately preceding any date upon which any determination is to be made
pursuant to the terms of the Notes or this Indenture.

         "REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT" means the Registration Rights
Agreement, dated as of June 10, 2003, by and among the Company and the Initial
Purchasers, as such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time
to time.

         "REGULAR RECORD DATE" for the interest payable on any Interest Payment
Date means the June 1 or December 1 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case
may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date.

         "REGULATION S" means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

         "REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE" means a permanent global Note in the form of
Exhibit A-1 hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement
Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the
Depository or its nominee, representing Notes sold in reliance on Regulation S.

         "REPRESENTATIVE" means the indenture trustee or other trustee, client
or representative for any senior Indebtedness.

         "RESPONSIBLE OFFICER," when used with respect to the Trustee, means any
officer of the Trustee with direct responsibility for the administration of this
Indenture and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter,
any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of
and familiarity with the particular subject.

         "RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES" means Notes that are in the form of the
Notes attached hereto as Exhibit A-1, that do not include the information called
for by footnotes 1 and 2 thereof.

                                       22

<PAGE>

         "RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES" means the Regulation S Global Notes and the
Rule 144A Global Notes.

         "RESTRICTED INVESTMENT" means an Investment other than a Permitted
Investment.

         "RESTRICTED NOTES" means Restricted Global Notes or Restricted
Definitive Notes.

         "RESTRICTED PERIOD" means the 40-day restricted period as defined in
Regulation S.

         "RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" of a Person means any Subsidiary of the
referent Person that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

         "RULE 144A" means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.

         "RULE 144A GLOBAL NOTE" means a permanent global note in the form of
Exhibit A-1 hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement
Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the
Depository or its nominee, representing Notes sold in reliance on Rule 144A.

         "RULE 903" means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act.

         "RULE 904" means Rule 904 promulgated under the Securities Act.

         "S&P" means Standard and Poor's Ratings Group or any successor thereto.

         "SECURITIES ACT" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         "SENIOR DEBT" means:

         (i) indebtedness of the Company under or in respect of the Credit
Agreement, whether for principal, interest (including interest accruing after
the filing of a petition initiating any proceeding pursuant to any bankruptcy
law, whether or not the claim for such interest is allowed as a claim in such
proceeding), reimbursement obligations, fees, commissions, expenses, indemnities
or other amounts, and

         (ii) any other Indebtedness permitted under the terms of this
Indenture, unless the instrument under which such Indebtedness is incurred
expressly provides that it is on a parity with or subordinated in right of
payment to the Notes.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing sentence, Senior Debt
will not include:

         (i) Equity Interests;

         (ii) any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owned or
owing by the Company;

         (iii) any Indebtedness of the Company to any of its Subsidiaries or
other Affiliates;

         (iv) any trade payables; or

                                       23

<PAGE>

         (v) any Indebtedness that is incurred in violation of this Indenture.

"Senior Debt" of a Subsidiary Guarantor has a correlative meaning (including
interest accruing after the filing of a petition initiating any proceeding
pursuant to any bankruptcy law, whether or not the claim for such interest is
allowed as a claim in such proceeding).

         "SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY" means any Subsidiary that would be a
"significant subsidiary" as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X,
promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the
date hereof.

         "SPECIAL RECORD DATE" means a date fixed by the Trustee for the payment
of any Defaulted Interest pursuant to Section 2.12.

         "SPECIFIED PROPERTY" means the items set forth on Annex A hereto.

         "STATED MATURITY," when used with respect to any Note or any
installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified
in such Note as the fixed date on which the principal of such Note or such
installment of principal or interest is due and payable.

         "SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS" means Indebtedness of the Company or of a
Subsidiary Guarantor that is contractually subordinated in right of payment, in
any respect (by its terms or the terms of any document or instrument or
instruments relating thereto), to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantee of the
Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable.

         "SUBORDINATED NOTE OBLIGATIONS" means any principal of, premium, if
any, and interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, the Notes and any other
payment obligations of the Company in respect of the Notes (including any
obligation to repurchase the Notes).

         "SUBSIDIARY" of any Person means any corporation, association,
partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting
power of shares of Capital Stock or other equity interests (including
partnership interests) entitles (without regard to the occurrence of any
contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof
is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by (i) such Person
or (ii) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.

         "SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEE" means any guarantee of the Obligations of the
Company under this Indenture and the Notes by a Restricted Subsidiary in
accordance with the provisions of this Indenture pursuant to a supplemental
indenture substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D.

         "SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR" means any Restricted Subsidiary that incurs a
Subsidiary Guarantee.

         "TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections
77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date on which this Indenture is qualified
under the TIA, except as provided in Section 9.3 hereof.

                                       24

<PAGE>

         "TRUSTEE" means the party named as such above unless and until a
successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this
Indenture and thereafter means such successor.

         "UNRESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE" means Notes that are in the form of the
Notes attached hereto as Exhibit A-2 that do not include the information called
for by footnotes 1 and 2 thereof.

         "UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE" means a permanent global Note that contains
the paragraph referred to in footnote 1 and the additional schedule referred to
in footnote 2 to the form of the Note attached hereto as Exhibit A-2, and that
is deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depository.

         "UNRESTRICTED NOTES" means the Unrestricted Global Notes and
Unrestricted Definitive Notes.

         "UNRESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" means:

         (i) any Subsidiary of the Company which at the time of determination
shall be an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by the Board of Directors of
the Company, as provided below) and

         (ii) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any Subsidiary of the
Company (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary or a Person
becoming a Subsidiary through merger or consolidation or Investment therein) to
be an Unrestricted Subsidiary only if:

         (a) such Subsidiary does not own any Capital Stock of, or own or hold
any Lien on any property of, any other Subsidiary of the Company which is not a
Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated or otherwise an Unrestricted
Subsidiary;

         (b) the Company certifies that such designation complies with the
limitations of the covenant contained in Section 4.11 hereof;

         (c) such Subsidiary, either alone or in the aggregate with all other
Unrestricted Subsidiaries, does not operate, directly or indirectly, all or
substantially all of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

         (d) such Subsidiary does not, directly or indirectly, own any
Indebtedness of or Equity Interest in, and has no investments in, the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary; and

         (e) such Subsidiary is a Person with respect to which neither the
Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect
obligation (1) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests of such Person or
(2) to maintain or preserve such Person's financial condition or to cause such
Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results.

Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the Company shall be evidenced
to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a resolution of the Board of Directors
of the Company giving

                                       25

<PAGE>

effect to such designation and an Officers' certificate certifying that such
designation complied with the foregoing conditions. If, at any time, any
Unrestricted Subsidiary would fail to meet the foregoing requirements as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary, it shall thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted
Subsidiary for purposes of this Indenture and any Indebtedness of such
Subsidiary shall be deemed to be incurred as of such date. The Board of
Directors of the Company may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a
Restricted Subsidiary; provided, that immediately after giving effect to such
designation, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof and the Company could incur
at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (excluding Permitted Indebtedness)
pursuant to the first paragraph of Section 4.12 hereof on a pro forma basis
taking into account such designation.

         "VOLUMETRIC PRODUCTION PAYMENTS" means production payment obligations
recorded as deferred revenue in accordance with GAAP, together with all
undertakings and obligations in connection therewith.

         "VOTING STOCK" of any entity means all classes of Capital Stock of such
entity then outstanding and normally entitled to vote in the election of
directors or all interests in such entity with the ability to control the
management or actions of such entity.

         "WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIFE TO MATURITY" means, when applied to any security
or instrument at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing (i) the sum
of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining
installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of
principal (or redemption payments), including payment at final maturity (or
mandatory redemption), in respect thereof, by (b) the number of years
(calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and
the making of such payment, by (ii) the then outstanding principal amount or
liquidation preference of such security or instrument.

         "WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY" of any Person means a Restricted Subsidiary
of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests
of which (other than directors' qualifying shares or shares required by
applicable law to be held by third parties) shall at the time be owned by such
Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person. Unrestricted
Subsidiaries shall not be included in the definition of the term "Wholly Owned
Subsidiary" for any purposes of this Indenture.

         SECTION 1.2       OTHER DEFINITIONS.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Term                                                                                            Defined in Section
         ----                                                                                            ------------------
<S>                                                                                                      <C>
"ACT".....................................................................................................       1.7
"AFFILIATE TRANSACTION"...................................................................................      4.13
"ASSET SALE OFFER"........................................................................................      4.10
"ASSET SALE OFFER AMOUNT".................................................................................      5.10
"ASSET SALE OFFER PERIOD".................................................................................      4.10
"ASSET SALE PURCHASE DATE"................................................................................      4.10
"COVENANT DEFEASANCE".....................................................................................       8.3
"DEFAULTED INTEREST"......................................................................................      2.12
</TABLE>

                                       26

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                             <C>
"DEFEASANCE"..............................................................................................       8.2
"DTC".....................................................................................................       2.3
"EVENT OF DEFAULT"........................................................................................       6.1
"EXCESS PROCEEDS".........................................................................................      4.10
"NON-PAYMENT DEFAULT".....................................................................................      10.3
"PAYING AGENT"............................................................................................       2.3
"PAYMENT BLOCKAGE NOTICE".................................................................................      10.3
"PAYMENT DEFAULT".........................................................................................       6.1
"PAYMENT DEFAULT".........................................................................................      10.3
"PROCESS AGENT"...........................................................................................      12.8
"REGISTRAR"...............................................................................................       2.3
"RESTRICTED PAYMENTS".....................................................................................      4.11
"REVERSION DATE"..........................................................................................      4.18
"SIGNIFICANT GROUP OF SUBSIDIARIES".......................................................................       6.1
"SUCCESSOR COMPANY".......................................................................................       5.1
"SUSPENDED COVENANTS".....................................................................................      4.18
"SUSPENSION DATE".........................................................................................      4.18
"SUSPENSION PERIOD".......................................................................................      4.18
</TABLE>

         SECTION 1.3       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF TRUST INDENTURE ACT.

         Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision
is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.

         The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following
meanings:

         "INDENTURE SECURITIES" means the Notes;

         "INDENTURE SECURITY HOLDER" means a Holder of a Note;

         "INDENTURE TO BE QUALIFIED" means this Indenture;

         "INDENTURE TRUSTEE" or "INSTITUTIONAL TRUSTEE" means the Trustee;

         "OBLIGOR" on the Notes means the Company and any successor obligors
upon the Notes.

         All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA,
defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by Commission rule under
the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them.

         SECTION 1.4       RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.

         Unless the context otherwise requires:

         (a)      a term has the meaning assigned to it;

                                       27

<PAGE>

         (b)      an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning
assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

         (c)      "or" is not exclusive;

         (d)      words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural
include the singular;

         (e)      provisions apply to successive events and transactions; and

         (f)      references to sections of or rules under the Securities Act
shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement or successor sections or
rules adopted by the Commission from time to time.

         SECTION 1.5       COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES AND OPINIONS.

         Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take
any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to
the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if
any, provided for in this Indenture (including any covenant compliance with
which constitutes a condition precedent) relating to the proposed action have
been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such
counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except
that, in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing
of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture
relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or
opinion need be furnished.

         Every certificate or opinion (other than the certificates required by
Section 4.5(a)) with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided
for in this Indenture shall comply with the provisions of TIA 314(e) and shall
include:

         (a)      a statement that each individual signing such certificate or
opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating
thereto;

         (b)      a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the
examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in
such certificate or opinion are based;

         (c)      a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he
or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him
or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or
condition has been complied with; and

         (d)      a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such
individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

         SECTION 1.6       FORM OF DOCUMENTS DELIVERED TO TRUSTEE.

         In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or
covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all
such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such
Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one
such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters

                                       28

<PAGE>

and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may
certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

         Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based,
insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or
representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of
reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representation
with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are
erroneous. Any such certificate or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as
it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or
representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the
information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the
Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should
know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such
matters are erroneous.

         Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more
applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other
instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and
form one instrument.

         SECTION 1.7       ACTS OF HOLDERS.

         (a)      Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice,
consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken
by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of
substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agent duly
appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such
action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered
to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such
instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced
thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "ACT" of the Holders signing
such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of
a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this
Indenture and (subject to TIA Section 315) conclusive in favor of the Trustee
and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.

         (b)      The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such
instrument or writing may be proved in any reasonable manner that the Trustee
deems sufficient.

         (c)      The ownership of Notes shall be proved by a register kept by
the Registrar.

         (d)      If the Company shall solicit from the Holders any request,
demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, the
Company may, at its option, by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, fix in advance
a record date for the determination of such Holders entitled to give such
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act,
but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. Notwithstanding TIA Section
316(c), any such record date shall be the record date specified in or pursuant
to such Board Resolution, which shall be a date not more than 30 days prior to
the first solicitation of Holders generally in connection therewith and no later
than the date such solicitation is completed. If such a record date is fixed,
such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other
Act may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of
record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be
Holders for the purposes of determining

                                       29

<PAGE>

whether Holders of the requisite proportion of Notes then outstanding have
authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for this purpose the Notes
then outstanding shall be computed as of such record date; provided, that no
such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other
Act by the Holders on such record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall
become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than six
months after the record date.

         (e)      Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice,
consent, waiver or other Act by the Holder of any Note shall bind every future
Holder of the same Note or the Holder of every Note issued upon the registration
of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof, in respect of
anything done, suffered or omitted to be done by the Trustee, any Paying Agent
or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is
made upon such Note.

                                    ARTICLE 2
                                    THE NOTES

         SECTION 2.1       FORM AND DATING.

         The Notes and the Trustee's certificate of authentication shall be
substantially in the form of Exhibits A-1 and A-2 attached hereto. The Notes may
have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or
usage, as designated by the Company or its counsel. Each Note shall be dated the
date of its authentication. The Notes shall be in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof.

         The Notes initially offered and sold in reliance on Rule 144A shall be
issued initially in the form of a Rule 144A Global Note. Notes initially offered
and sold in reliance on Regulation S shall be issued initially in the form of
the Regulation S Global Note. Each of the Restricted Global Notes shall be
deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with the
Trustee, at its New York office, as custodian for the Depository, and registered
in the name of the Depository or the nominee of the Depository. The Regulation S
Global Notes shall be registered in the name of the Depository or the nominee of
the Depository for the accounts of designated agents holding on behalf of
Euroclear or Clearstream, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the
Trustee as hereinafter provided. The Restricted Period shall be terminated upon
the receipt by the Trustee of (i) a written certificate from the Depository or
the Note Custodian, together with copies of certificates from Euroclear and
Clearstream certifying that they have received certification of non-United
States beneficial ownership of 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the
Regulation S Global Note, and (ii) an Officers' Certificate from the Company to
the effect set forth in Section 12.4(a) hereof.

         Notes issued in global form shall be substantially in the form of
Exhibits A-1 or A-2 attached hereto (including the Global Note Legend and the
"Schedule of Exchanges in the Global Note" attached thereto). Notes issued in
definitive form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1 or A-2
attached hereto (but without the Global Note Legend and without the "Schedule of
Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note" attached thereto). Each Global Note
shall represent such of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified therein and
each shall provide that it shall represent the aggregate principal amount of
outstanding Notes from time to time

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<PAGE>

endorsed thereon and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes
represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as
appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions. Any endorsement of a Global
Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate
principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the
Trustee or the Note Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance
with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.6 hereof.

         The provisions of the "Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System"
and "Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear" and the "Clearstream
Banking General Terms and Conditions" and "Customer Handbook" of Clearstream
shall be applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S
Global Notes that are held by the Agent Members through Euroclear or
Clearstream.

         SECTION 2.2       EXECUTION AND AUTHENTICATION.

         Upon a Company Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver: (1)
on the Issue Date, Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $175,000,000, (2)
subject to the Company's compliance with Section 4.12, any Additional Notes for
an original issue in an aggregate principal amount specified by the Company
pursuant to Section 2.14 hereof, and (3) Unrestricted Global Notes and
Unrestricted Definitive Notes pursuant to the provision of Section 2.6(f). Such
Company Order shall specify the amount of the Notes to be authenticated and the
date on which the original issue of such Notes is to be authenticated and, in
the case of any issuance of Additional Notes, shall comply with the provisions
of Section 2.14 hereof.

         Two Officers shall sign the Notes for the Company by manual or
facsimile signature.

         If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office
at the time a Note is authenticated, the Note shall nevertheless be valid.

         A Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature
of the Trustee. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has
been authenticated under this Indenture.

         The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the
Company to authenticate Notes. An authenticating agent may authenticate Notes
whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to
authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An
authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with Holders or an
Affiliate of the Company.

         SECTION 2.3       REGISTRAR AND PAYING AGENT.

         The Company shall at all times maintain an office or agency where Notes
may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange ("REGISTRAR") and
an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York where
Notes may be presented for payment ("PAYING AGENT"). The Registrar shall keep a
register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may
appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents;
provided, however, that the Company shall in no event be relieved of its
obligation hereunder to maintain an office or agency in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, where the Notes may be presented for payment.
The term "Registrar" includes any

                                       31

<PAGE>

co-registrar and the term "Paying Agent" includes any additional paying agent.
The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any
Holder. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing of the name and
address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. If the Company fails to
appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee
shall act as such. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying
Agent or Registrar.

         The Company initially appoints The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") to
act as Depository with respect to the Global Notes.

         The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as the Registrar and
Paying Agent and to act as Note Custodian with respect to the Global Notes, and
accordingly, all of such offices or agencies shall initially be the corporate
trust office of the Trustee in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York,
which on the Issue Date, is located at 101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West, New
York, New York 10286.

         SECTION 2.4       PAYING AGENT TO HOLD MONEY IN TRUST.

         The Company shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to
agree in writing that the Paying Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of
Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of
principal, premium, if any, or interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on the
Notes, and will promptly notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in
making any such payment. While any such default continues, the Trustee may
require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. The Company
at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the
Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the
Company or a Subsidiary) shall have no further liability for the money. If the
Company or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a
separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as
Paying Agent. Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to the
Company, the Trustee shall serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.

         SECTION 2.5       HOLDER LISTS.

         The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably
practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of
all Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA Section 312(a). If the Trustee
is not the Registrar, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee at least seven
Business Days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the
Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the
Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders of
Notes and the Company shall otherwise comply with TIA Section 312(a).

         SECTION 2.6       TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE.

         (a)      TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE OF GLOBAL NOTES. A Global Note may not
be transferred as a whole except by the Depository to a nominee of the
Depository, by a nominee of the Depository to the Depository or to another
nominee of the Depository, or by the Depository or any such nominee to a
successor Depository or a nominee of such successor Depository. All Global Notes
will be exchanged by the Company for Definitive Notes if (i) DTC (x) notifies
the

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<PAGE>

Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depository for the Global
Notes and the Company thereupon fails to appoint a successor Depository within
90 days or (y) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange
Act, (ii) the Company, at its option, notifies the Trustee in writing that it
elects to cause the issuance of Definitive Notes in exchange for the Global
Notes or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing a Default or an Event
of Default with respect to the Notes. Upon the occurrence of either of the
preceding events in (i), (ii) or (iii) above, Definitive Notes shall be issued
in such names as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. Global Notes also
may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.7
and 2.10 hereof. Every Note authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in
lieu of, a Global Note or any portion thereof, pursuant to Section 2.7 or 2.10
hereof, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a
Global Note. A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as
provided in this Section 2.6(a), however, beneficial interests in a Global Note
may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.6(b), (c) or (f)
hereof.

         (b)      TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE OF BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN GLOBAL NOTES.
The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes shall be
effected through the Depository, in accordance with the provisions of this
Indenture and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial interests in the Restricted
Global Notes shall be subject to restrictions on transfer described in the
Private Placement Legend to the extent required by the Securities Act. Transfers
of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with
subparagraph (i) below as well as one or more of the other following
subparagraphs as applicable:

                  (i)      Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in
Global Notes. In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial
interests, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the
Registrar either (A) (1) a written order from an Agent Member to the Depository
in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depository to credit
or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global Note in an
amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2)
instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing
information regarding the Agent Member account to be credited with such increase
or (B) (1) a written order from an Agent Member given to the Depository in
accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depository to cause to
be issued a Definitive Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be
transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions given by the Depository to the
Registrar containing information regarding the Person in whose name such
Definitive Note shall be registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred
to in (1) above. Upon an Exchange Offer by the Company in accordance with
Section 2.6(f) hereof, the requirements of this Section 2.6(b)(i) shall be
deemed to have been satisfied upon receipt by the Registrar of the instructions
contained in the Letter of Transmittal delivered by the Holder of such
beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes. Upon satisfaction of all of
the requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global
Notes contained in this Indenture, the Notes and otherwise applicable under the
Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant
Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.6(h) hereof.

                  (ii)     Transfer of Beneficial Interests Among Restricted
Global Notes.

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<PAGE>

                           (A)      The following provisions shall apply with
         respect to any proposed transfer of the 144A Global Note to a
         Restricted Global Note prior to the two-year anniversary of the Issue
         Date:

                                    (1)      a transfer of the 144A Global Note
                  or a beneficial interest therein to a QIB shall be made upon
                  the delivery of a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto,
                  including the certifications in item (1) thereof; and

                                    (2)      a transfer of the 144A Global Note
                  or a beneficial interest there into a Non-U.S. Person shall be
                  made upon delivery of a certificate in the form of Exhibit B
                  hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof.

                           (B)      The following provisions shall apply with
         respect to any proposed transfer of a Regulation S Global Note prior to
         the expiration of the Restricted Period:

                                    (1)      a transfer of a Regulation S Global
                  Note or a beneficial interest therein to a QIB shall be made
                  upon the delivery of a certificate in the form of Exhibit B
                  hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof; and

                                    (2)      a transfer of a Regulation S Global
                  Note or a beneficial interest therein to a Non-U.S. Person
                  shall be made upon the delivery of a certificate in the form
                  of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2)
                  thereof.

                                    After the expiration of the Restricted
         Period, interests in a Regulation S Global Note may be transferred
         without requiring certification.

                  (iii)    Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a
Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note.
A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any
holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or
transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial
interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies
with the requirements of clause (i) above and:

                           (A)      such exchange or transfer is effected
         pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration
         Rights Agreement and the holder of the beneficial interest to be
         transferred, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case
         of a transfer, is not (1) a Broker-Dealer, (2) a Person participating
         in the distribution of the Notes issued in the Exchange Offer or (3) a
         Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

                           (B)      any such transfer is effected pursuant to
         the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration
         Rights Agreement;

                           (C)      any such transfer is effected by a
         Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in
         accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

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<PAGE>

                           (D)      the Registrar receives the following:

                                    (1)      if the holder of such beneficial
                  interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such
                  beneficial interest for a beneficial interest in an
                  Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in
                  the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in
                  item (1)(a) thereof;

                                    (2)      if the holder of such beneficial
                  interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such
                  beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery
                  thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an
                  Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in
                  the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in
                  item (4) thereof; and

                                    (3)      in each such case set forth in this
                  subparagraph (D), an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably
                  acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange
                  or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that
                  the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the
                  Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain
                  compliance with the Securities Act.

                           If any such transfer is effected pursuant to
subparagraph (B) or (D) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not
yet been issued, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an authentication
order in accordance with Section 2.2 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one
or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
principal amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to subparagraph
(B) or (D) above.

                           Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note
cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to, Persons who take delivery thereof in
the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note.

         (c)      TRANSFER OR EXCHANGE OF BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN GLOBAL NOTES
FOR DEFINITIVE NOTES.

                  (i)      If any holder of a beneficial interest in a
Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a
Restricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person
who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then,
upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

                           (A)      if the holder of such beneficial interest
         proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted
         Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit
         C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(a) thereof;

                           (B)      if such beneficial interest is being
         transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities
         Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto,
         including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

                           (C)      if such beneficial interest is being
         transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in
         accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the

                                       35

<PAGE>

         Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B
         hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;

                           (D)      if such beneficial interest is being
         transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements
         of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities
         Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto,
         including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;

                           (E)      if such beneficial interest is being
         transferred to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to
         the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications
         in item (3)(b) thereof; or

                           (F)      if such beneficial interest is being
         transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
         Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B
         hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,

the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable
Restricted Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.6(h)
hereof, and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and
deliver or cause to be delivered to the Person designated in the instructions a
Restricted Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Restricted
Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted
Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.6(c) shall be registered in such name or
names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such
beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the
Depository and the Agent Member. The Trustee shall deliver such Restricted
Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any
Restricted Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a
Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.6(c)(i) shall bear the Private
Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained
therein.

                  (ii)     Notwithstanding 2.6(c)(i) hereof, a holder of a
beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial
interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial
interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted
Definitive Note if:

                           (A)      such exchange or transfer is effected
         pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration
         Rights Agreement and the holder of such beneficial interest, in the
         case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, is
         not (1) a Broker-Dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution
         of the Notes issued in the Exchange Offer or (3) a Person who is an
         affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

                           (B)      any such transfer is effected pursuant to
         the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration
         Rights Agreement;

                           (C)      any such transfer is effected by a
         Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in
         accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

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<PAGE>

                           (D)      the Registrar receives the following:

                                    (1)      if the holder of such beneficial
                  interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such
                  beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a
                  certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto,
                  including the certifications in item (1)(b) thereof;

                                    (2)      if the holder of such beneficial
                  interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such
                  beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery
                  thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a
                  certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto,
                  including the certifications in item (4) thereof; and

                                    (3)      in each such case set forth in this
                  subparagraph (D), an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably
                  acceptable to the Company, to the effect that such exchange or
                  transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the
                  restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private
                  Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain
                  compliance with the Securities Act. If any holder of a
                  beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note proposes to
                  exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted
                  Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a
                  Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an
                  Unrestricted Definitive Note, then, upon satisfaction of the
                  conditions set forth in Section 2.6(b)(i) hereof, the Trustee
                  shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable
                  Unrestricted Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to
                  Section 2.6(h) hereof, and the Company shall execute and the
                  Trustee shall authenticate and deliver or cause to be
                  delivered to the Person designated in the instructions an
                  Unrestricted Definitive Note in the appropriate principal
                  amount. Any Unrestricted Definitive Note issued in exchange
                  for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.6(c)(iii)
                  shall be registered in such name or names and in such
                  authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such
                  beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through
                  instructions from the Depository and the Agent Member. The
                  Trustee shall deliver or cause to be delivered such
                  Unrestricted Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names
                  such Notes are so registered. Any Unrestricted Definitive Note
                  issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this
                  section 2.6(c)(iii) shall not bear the Private Placement
                  Legend. A beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note
                  cannot be exchanged for a Restricted Definitive Note or
                  transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form
                  of a Restricted Definitive Note.

         (d)      TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE OF DEFINITIVE NOTES FOR BENEFICIAL
INTERESTS IN GLOBAL NOTE.

                  (i)      If any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note
proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note or to transfer such Restricted Definitive Notes to a Person who takes
delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

                                       37

<PAGE>

                           (A)      if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive
         Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a
         Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of
         Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(b) thereof;

                           (B)      if such Restricted Definitive Note is being
         transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities
         Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto,
         including the certifications in item (1) thereof; or

                           (C)      if such Restricted Definitive Note is being
         transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in
         accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, a
         certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the
         certifications in item (2) thereof;

the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Definitive Note, increase or cause to be
increased the aggregate principal amount of, in the case of clause (A) above,
the appropriate Restricted Global Note, in the case of clause (B) above, the
144A Global Note and in the case of clause (C) above, the Regulation S Global
Note.

                  (ii)     A Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note may exchange
such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer
such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the
form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if:

                           (A)      such exchange or transfer is effected
         pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration
         Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the
         transferee, in the case of a transfer, is not (1) a Broker-Dealer, (2)
         a Person participating in the distribution of the Notes issued in the
         Exchange Offer or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule
         144) of the Company;

                           (B)      any such transfer is effected pursuant to
         the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration
         Rights Agreement;

                           (C)      any such transfer is effected by a
         Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in
         accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

                           (D)      the Registrar receives the following:

                                    (1)      if the Holder of such Restricted
                  Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for a
                  beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a
                  certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto,
                  including the certifications in item (1)(c) thereof;

                                    (2)      if the Holder of such Restricted
                  Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person
                  who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial
                  interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from
                  such Holder

                                       38

<PAGE>

                  in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications
                  in item (4) thereof; and

                                    (3)      in each such case set forth in this
                  subparagraph (D), an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably
                  acceptable to the Company to the effect that such exchange or
                  transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act, that the
                  restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private
                  Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain
                  compliance with the Securities Act, and such Restricted
                  Definitive Notes are being exchanged or transferred in
                  compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any
                  State of the United States.

                  Upon satisfaction of the conditions of any of the
subparagraphs in this Section 2.6(d)(ii), the Trustee shall cancel the
Restricted Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate
principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.

                  (iii)    A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may
exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or
transfer such Unrestricted Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery
thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note at
any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the
Trustee shall cancel the applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and increase or
cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global
Note.

         If any such exchange or transfer from a Definitive Note to a beneficial
interest is effected pursuant to subparagraphs (ii)(B), (ii)(D) or (iii) above
at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Company
shall issue and, upon receipt of an authentication order in accordance with
Section 2.2 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted
Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of
beneficial interests transferred pursuant to subparagraphs (ii)(B), (ii)(D) or
(iii) above.

         (e)      TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE OF DEFINITIVE NOTES FOR DEFINITIVE
NOTES. Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder's compliance
with the provisions of this Section 2.6(e), the Registrar shall register the
transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration of transfer
or exchange, the requesting Holder shall present or surrender to the Registrar
the Definitive Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or
by his attorney, duly authorized in writing. In addition, the requesting Holder
shall provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as
applicable, pursuant to the provisions of this Section 2.6(e).

                  (i)      Restricted Definitive Notes may be transferred to and
registered in the name of Persons who take delivery thereof if the Registrar
receives the following:

                           (A)      if the transfer will be made pursuant to
         Rule 144A under the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a
         certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the
         certifications in item (1) thereof;

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<PAGE>

                           (B)      if the transfer will be made pursuant to
         Rule 903 or Rule 904, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in
         the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2)
         thereof; and

                           (C)      if the transfer will be made pursuant to any
         other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities
         Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of
         Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and
         Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.

                  (ii)     Any Restricted Definitive Note may be exchanged by
the Holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or transferred to a
Person or Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted
Definitive Note if:

                           (A)      such exchange or transfer is effected
         pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration
         Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the
         transferee, in the case of a transfer, is not (1) a Broker-Dealer, (2)
         a Person participating in the distribution of the Notes issued in the
         Exchange Offer or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule
         144) of the Company;

                           (B)      any such transfer is effected pursuant to
         the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration
         Rights Agreement;

                           (C)      any such transfer is effected by a
         Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in
         accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

                           (D)      the Registrar receives the following:

                                    (1)      if the Holder of such Restricted
                  Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for an
                  Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder
                  in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications
                  in item (l)(d) thereof;

                                    (2)      if the Holder of such Restricted
                  Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person
                  who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted
                  Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of
                  Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4)
                  thereof; and

                                    (3)      in each such case set forth in this
                  subparagraph (D), an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably
                  acceptable to the Company to the effect that such exchange or
                  transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act, that the
                  restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private
                  Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain
                  compliance with the Securities Act, and such Restricted
                  Definitive Note is being exchanged or transferred in
                  compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any
                  State of the United States.

                  (iii)    A Holder of Unrestricted Definitive Notes may
transfer such Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an
Unrestricted Definitive Note. Upon receipt

                                       40

<PAGE>

of a request for such a transfer, the Registrar shall register the Unrestricted
Definitive Notes pursuant to the instructions from the Holder thereof.
Unrestricted Definitive Notes cannot be exchanged for or transferred to Persons
who take delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note.

         (f)      EXCHANGE OFFER. Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company shall issue and,
upon receipt of an authentication order in accordance with Section 2.2, the
Trustee shall authenticate (i) one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an
aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial
interests in the Restricted Global Notes tendered for acceptance by persons that
are not (x) Broker-Dealers, (y) Persons participating in the distribution of the
Notes issued in the Exchange Offer or (z) Persons who are Affiliates (as defined
in Rule 144) of the Company and accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer and
(ii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes accepted for exchange in the
Exchange Offer. Concurrent with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee shall
cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Restricted Global Notes
to be reduced accordingly, and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver or cause to be delivered to the Persons designated by
the Holders of Definitive Notes so accepted Unrestricted Definitive Notes in the
appropriate principal amount.

         (g)      LEGENDS. The following legends shall appear on the face of all
Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture unless
specifically stated otherwise in the applicable provisions of this Indenture.

                  (i)      Private Placement Legend.

                           (A)      Except as permitted by subparagraph (B)
         below, each Global Note and each Definitive Note (and all Notes issued
         in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall bear the legend in
         substantially the following form:

                  THIS NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A
         TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES
         ACT OF 1933 (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), AND THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE OFFERED,
         SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN
         APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE IS HEREBY
         NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS NOTE MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION
         FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE
         144A THEREUNDER.

                  THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER
         THAT (A) THIS NOTE MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE
         TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) TO THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY OR ITS
         SUBSIDIARY, (II) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER
         REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN
         RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE

                                       41

<PAGE>

         REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (III) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN
         OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES
         ACT, (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE
         SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE) OR (V)
         PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
         ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (V) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE
         SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER
         WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER
         OF THIS NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN (A)
         ABOVE.

                           (B)      Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
         Unrestricted Global Note or Unrestricted Definitive Note issued
         pursuant to subparagraphs (b)(iii), (c)(ii), (c)(iii), (d)(ii),
         (d)(iii), (e)(ii), (e)(iii) or (f) to this Section 2.6 (and all Notes
         issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall not bear the
         Private Placement Legend.

                  (ii)     Global Note Legend. Each Global Note shall bear a
legend in substantially the following form:

                  "THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITORY (AS DEFINED IN THE
         INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE
         BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY
         PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE
         SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.6(h) OF
         THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT
         IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.6(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL
         NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO
         SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE
         TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITORY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF
         THE COMPANY."

         (h)      CANCELLATION AND/OR ADJUSTMENT OF GLOBAL NOTES. At such time
as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for
Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or
cancelled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to
or retained and cancelled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11 hereof.
At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global
Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof
in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Definitive
Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be
reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note, by the
Trustee or by the Depository at the direction of the Trustee, to reflect such
reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred
to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest
in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly

                                       42

<PAGE>

and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note, by the Trustee or by the
Depository at the direction of the Trustee, to reflect such increase.

         (i)      GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO TRANSFERS AND EXCHANGES.

                  (i)      To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges,
the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and
Definitive Notes upon receipt of a Company Order or at the Registrar's request.

                  (ii)     No service charge shall be made to a holder of a
beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any
registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a
sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable
in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or similar
governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.10,
3.7, 4.9, 4.10 and 9.5 hereof).

                  (iii)    The Registrar shall not be required to register the
transfer of or exchange any Note selected for redemption in whole or in part,
except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.

                  (iv)     All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any
registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes shall
be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled
to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Global Notes or Definitive
Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

                  (v)      The Company shall not be required (A) to issue, to
register the transfer of or to exchange Notes during a period beginning at the
opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes for
redemption under Section 3.3 hereof and ending at the close of business on the
day of selection, (B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note so
selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of
any Note being redeemed in part or (C) to register the transfer of or to
exchange a Note between a record date and the next succeeding Interest Payment
Date.

                  (vi)     Prior to due presentment for the registration of a
transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Company may deem and treat
the Person in whose name any Note is registered as the absolute owner of such
Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such
Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent or the
Company shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

                  (vii)    The Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and
Definitive Notes in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.2 hereof.

                  (viii)   All certifications, certificates and Opinions of
Counsel required to be submitted to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.6
to effect a transfer or exchange may be submitted by facsimile.

                                       43

<PAGE>

         SECTION 2.7       REPLACEMENT NOTES.

         If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee, or the Company and
the Trustee and the Company receive evidence to their satisfaction of the
destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Company shall issue and the Trustee,
upon the written order of the Company signed by two Officers of the Company,
shall authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee's and the Company's
requirements are met. If required by the Trustee or the Company, an indemnity
bond must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the
Trustee and the Company to protect the Company, the Trustee, any Agent and any
authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is
replaced. The Company may charge for its expenses in replacing a Note.

         Every replacement Note is an additional obligation of the Company and
shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and
proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.

         SECTION 2.8       OUTSTANDING NOTES.

         The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by
the Trustee except for those cancelled by it, those delivered to it for
cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Note effected by the
Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, and those described in this
Section as not outstanding. Except as set forth in Section 2.9 hereof, a Note
does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the
Company holds the Note.

         If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.7 hereof, it ceases to be
outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the
replaced Note is held by a bona fide purchaser.

         If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under Section
4.1 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue.

         If the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Subsidiary or an
Affiliate of any thereof) holds, on a redemption date or maturity date, money
sufficient to pay Notes payable on that date, then on and after that date such
Notes shall be deemed to be no longer outstanding and shall cease to accrue
interest.

         SECTION 2.9       TREASURY NOTES.

         In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of
Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the
Company, or by an Affiliate of the Company, shall be considered as though not
outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee
shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only
Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has been informed of by the
Company as being so owned shall be so disregarded.

                                       44

<PAGE>

         SECTION 2.10      TEMPORARY NOTES.

         Until permanent Notes are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare
and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Notes upon a written order of the
Company signed by two Officers of the Company. Temporary Notes shall be
substantially in the form of permanent Notes but may have variations that the
Company considers appropriate for temporary Notes and as shall be reasonably
acceptable to the Trustee. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare
and the Trustee shall authenticate permanent Notes in exchange for temporary
Notes.

         Holders of temporary Notes shall be entitled to all of the benefits of
this Indenture.

         SECTION 2.11      CANCELLATION.

         The Company at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for
cancellation. The Registrar and Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any
Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The
Trustee and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of
transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall return
cancelled Notes to the Company upon its request therefor. The Company may not
issue new Notes to replace Notes that it has paid or that have been delivered to
the Trustee for cancellation.

         SECTION 2.12      DEFAULTED INTEREST.

         Interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on any Note which is payable,
and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall
be paid to the Person in whose name that Note is registered at the close of
business on the Regular Record Date for such interest.

         Any interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on any Note which is
payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest
Payment Date and interest on such defaulted interest and Liquidated Damages, if
any, at the applicable interest rate borne by the Notes, to the extent lawful
(such defaulted interest and Liquidated Damages, if any (and interest thereon)
herein collectively called "DEFAULTED INTEREST") shall forthwith cease to be
payable to the Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having
been such Holder; and such Defaulted Interest shall be paid by the Company to
the Persons in whose names the Notes are registered at the close of business on
a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be
fixed in the following manner. The Company shall give the Trustee at least 15
days' written notice (unless a shorter period is acceptable to the Trustee for
its convenience) of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each
Note and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company
shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount
proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make
arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of
the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held by the Trustee in
trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in
this subsection provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date
for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall not be more than 15 days
and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less
than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed

                                       45

<PAGE>

payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record
Date. In the name and at the expense of the Company, the Trustee shall cause
notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record
Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder at his
address as it appears in the Registrar, not less than 10 days prior to such
Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest
and the Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Default
Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Notes are registered at
the close of business on such Special Record Date.

         Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Note
delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange
for or in lieu of any other Note shall carry the rights to interest accrued and
unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Note.

         SECTION 2.13      CUSIP NUMBERS.

         The Company in issuing the Notes may use "CUSIP" numbers (if then
generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use "CUSIP" numbers in notices
of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided, that any such notice may
state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers
either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of a redemption and
that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on
the Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or
omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee of any
change in the "CUSIP" numbers.

         SECTION 2.14      ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL NOTES.

         The Company shall be entitled, subject to its compliance with Section
4.12, to issue Additional Notes under this Indenture which shall have identical
terms as the Notes issued on the Issue Date, other than with respect to the date
of issuance and the issue price. The Notes issued on the Issue Date, any
Additional Notes and any new Notes issued in exchange for Notes in connection
with the Exchange Offer shall be treated as a single class for all purposes
under this Indenture.

         With respect to any Additional Notes, the Company shall set forth in a
resolution of the Board of Directors and an Officers' Certificate, a copy of
each of which shall be delivered to the Trustee, the following information:

         (a)      the aggregate principal amount of such Additional Notes to be
authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture;

         (b)      the issue price, the issue date and the CUSIP number of such
Additional Notes; provided, however, that no Additional Notes may be issued at a
price that would cause such Additional Notes to have "original issue discount"
within the meaning of Section 1273 of the Code; and

         (c)      whether such Additional Notes shall be Restricted Notes or
Unrestricted Notes.

                                       46

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE 3
                            REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT

         SECTION 3.1       APPLICABILITY OF ARTICLE.

         Redemption of Notes at the election of the Company shall be made in
accordance with this Article 3.

         SECTION 3.2       ELECTION TO REDEEM; NOTICE TO TRUSTEE.

         The election of the Company to redeem any Notes pursuant to Section 3.8
shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution. In case of any redemption at the
election of the Company, the Company shall, at least 45 but not more than 60
days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by it (unless a shorter notice period
shall be satisfactory to the Trustee for its convenience), notify the Trustee of
such Redemption Date and of the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed.

         SECTION 3.3       SELECTION BY TRUSTEE OF NOTES TO BE REDEEMED.

         If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the
Trustee will select Notes for redemption in compliance with the requirements of
the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which such Notes are
listed, or, if such Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by
such other method as the Trustee shall deem appropriate (and in such manner as
complies with applicable legal requirements); provided, that no Notes of $1,000
or less shall be redeemed in part.

         The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and the Registrar in
writing of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Notes
selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.

         For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise
requires, all provisions relating to redemption of Notes shall relate, in the
case of any Note redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the
principal amount of such Note which has been or is to be redeemed.

         SECTION 3.4       NOTICE OF REDEMPTION.

         The Company will cause notices of redemption to be mailed by first
class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the
Redemption Date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at such Holder's
registered address. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of
redemption that relates to any Note shall state the portion of the principal
amount thereof that has been or is to be redeemed.

         All notices of redemption shall state:

         (a)      the Redemption Date;

         (b)      the Redemption Price;

                                       47

<PAGE>

         (c)      if less than all Notes then outstanding are to be redeemed,
the identification (and, in the case of a Note to be redeemed in part, the
principal amount) of the particular Notes to be redeemed;

         (d)      that on the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price will become
due and payable upon each such Note or portion thereof, and that (unless the
Company shall default in payment of the Redemption Price) interest thereon shall
cease to accrue on or after said date;

         (e)      the places or places where such Notes are to be surrendered
for payment of the Redemption Price;

         (f)      that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the
Paying Agent to collect the Redemption Price;

         (g)      the CUSIP number, if any, relating to such Notes; and

         (h)      in the case of a Note to be redeemed in part, the principal
amount of such Note to be redeemed and that after the Redemption Date upon
surrender of such partially redeemed Note, a new Note or Notes in the aggregate
principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued.

         Notice of redemption of Notes to be redeemed at the election of the
Company shall be given by the Company or, at its request, by the Trustee in the
name and at the expense of the Company.

         SECTION 3.5       DEPOSIT OF REDEMPTION PRICE.

         On or prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the
Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its owning
Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 4.3) an amount
of money in same day funds (or New York Clearing House funds if such deposit is
made prior to the applicable Redemption Date) sufficient to pay the Redemption
Price of, and accrued interest on, all the Notes or portions thereof which are
to be redeemed on that date.

         SECTION 3.6       NOTES PAYABLE ON REDEMPTION DATE.

         Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Notes so to be
redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption
Price therein specified and from and after such date (unless the Company shall
default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any) such Notes shall cease to bear interest. Upon
surrender of any such Note for redemption in accordance with said notice, such
Note shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price together with accrued
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the Redemption Date; provided,
however, that installments of interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, whose
Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the
Holders of such Notes, registered as such on the relevant Regular Record Dates
according to the terms and the provisions of Section 2.12.

                                       48

<PAGE>

         If any Note called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender
thereof for redemption, the principal thereof (and premium, if any, thereon)
shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate borne by
such Note.

         SECTION 3.7       NOTES REDEEMED IN PART.

         Any Note which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at
the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose pursuant to
Section 4.2 (with, if the Company, the Registrar or the Trustee so requires, due
endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the
Company, the Registrar or the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or
his attorney duly authorized in writing), and a new Note in principal amount
equal to the unpurchased or unredeemed portion will be issued in the name of the
Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. On and after the purchase
or redemption date, unless the Company defaults in payment of the purchase or
redemption price, interest shall cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof
purchased or called for redemption.

         SECTION 3.8       OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.

         (a)      On and after June 15, 2008, the Company may at its option
redeem all or a portion of the Notes, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60
days' written notice, at the Redemption Prices (expressed as a percentage of
principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, and
Liquidated Damages thereon, if any, to the applicable Redemption Date, if
redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on June 15 of each of the
years indicated below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  YEAR                           REDEMPTION PRICE
                  <S>                                <C>
                  2008......................         103.500%
                  2009......................         102.333%
                  2010......................         101.167%
                  2011 and thereafter.......         100.000%
</TABLE>

         In addition, at any time on or prior to June 15, 2006, the Company may
at its option on one or more occasions redeem for cash up to 35% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Notes (which includes Additional Notes, if
any) originally issued prior to the Redemption Date at a Redemption Price equal
to 107.000% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, and Liquidated Damages thereon, if any, to the Redemption Date, with
the net cash proceeds of an Equity Offering; provided, that:

                  (i)      at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the
Notes (which includes Additional Notes, if any) originally issued prior to the
Redemption Date remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each
such redemption; and

                  (ii)     each such redemption occurs within 180 days of the
date of closing of the related Equity Offering.

         (b)      Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.8 shall be made
pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.1 through 3.7 hereof.

                                       49

<PAGE>

         SECTION 3.9       MANDATORY REDEMPTION.

         The Company shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or
sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

                                    ARTICLE 4
                                    COVENANTS

         SECTION 4.1       PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL, PREMIUM AND INTEREST.

         The Company shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if
any, Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in
the manner provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, Liquidated
Damages, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if the
Paying Agent, if other than the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, holds as of
10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the due date money deposited by the Company in
immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all
principal, premium, if any, Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest then due.

         SECTION 4.2       MAINTENANCE OF OFFICE OR AGENCY.

         The Company will maintain, in The City of New York, an office or agency
where Notes may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Notes may be
surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and
demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be
served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any change
in the location of any such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall
fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the
Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and
demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and
the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such
presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

         The Company may from time to time designate one or more other offices
or agencies (in or outside of The City of New York) where the Notes may be
presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes, and may from time to time
rescind such designation; provided, however, that no such designation or
recession shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain
an office or agency in The City of New York for such purposes. The Company will
give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or recession
and any change in the location of any such office or agency.

         SECTION 4.3       MONEY FOR SECURITY PAYMENTS TO BE HELD IN TRUST.

         If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent, it will,
on or before each due date of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, on any of the Notes, segregate and hold in trust for
the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the
principal, premium, if any, or interest so becoming due until such sums shall be
paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided, and will
promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

                                       50

<PAGE>

         Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for the
Notes, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of, premium, if any,
or interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on any Notes, deposit with a Paying
Agent a sum in same day funds (or New York Clearing House funds if such deposit
is made prior to the date on which such deposit is required to be made)
sufficient to pay the principal, premium, if any, or interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, so becoming due (or at the option of the Company, payment of
interest may be mailed by check to the Holders of the Notes at their respective
addresses set forth in the register of Holders of Notes; provided, that all
payments with respect to Global Notes and Definitive Notes, the holders of which
have given wire transfer instructions to the Company shall receive such payments
of interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, by wire transfer in same day funds)
such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such
principal, premium or interest and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the
Company will promptly notify the Trustee of such action or any failure so to
act.

         The Company will cause each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to
execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent
shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that
such Paying Agent will:

         (a)      hold all sums held by it for the payment of the principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on Notes in trust for the benefit of the Persons
entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise
disposed of as herein provided;

         (b)      give the Trustee notice of any default by the Company (or any
other obligor upon the Notes) in the making of any payment of principal,
premium, if any, or interest and Liquidated Damages, if any;

         (c)      at any time during the continuance of any such default, upon
the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so
held in trust by such Paying Agent; and

         (d)      acknowledge, accept and agree to comply in all respects with
the provisions of this Indenture relating to the duties, rights and obligations
of such Paying Agent.

         The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or
by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in
trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee
upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or
such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee,
such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to
such money.

         Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held
by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any,
or interest on any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such
principal, premium, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid
to the Company on Company Request or (if then held by the Company) shall be
discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter, as an
unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and
all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust
money, and all liability of the

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<PAGE>

Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the
Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment,
shall at the expense of the Company cause notice to be promptly sent to each
Holder that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified
therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such notification
any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the
Company.

         SECTION 4.4       REPORTS.

         Notwithstanding that the Company may not be subject to the reporting
requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on
an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly
reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission, the
Company shall, so long as any Notes are outstanding, furnish to the Holders of
Notes and the Trustee, within 15 days after it is or would have been required to
file such with the Commission, (i) all quarterly and annual financial
information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the
Commission on Forms 10-K and 10-Q if the Company was required to file such
Forms, including a "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and, with respect to the annual information only,
reports thereon by the certified independent accountants of the Company and (ii)
all current reports that would be required to be filed with the Commission on
Form 8-K if the Company was required to file such reports. In addition, whether
or not required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, the Company will
file copies of all such information and reports with the Commission for public
availability (unless the Commission will not accept such a filing) and make such
information available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon
request. In addition, the Company shall, until the effectiveness of the
registration statement relating to the Exchange Offer pursuant to the
Registration Rights Agreement, furnish to the Holders and prospective investors,
upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule
144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

         SECTION 4.5       STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE; NOTICE OF DEFAULT.

         (a)      The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 90 days after
the end of each fiscal year ending after the date hereof, a brief certificate of
its principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal
accounting officer stating whether, to such officer's knowledge, the Company is
in compliance with all covenants and conditions to be complied with by it under
this Indenture (including with respect to any Restricted Payments made during
such year, the basis upon which the calculations required by Section 4.11 were
computed, which calculations may be based on the Company's latest financial
statements), and further stating, as to each Officer signing such certificate,
that to the best of his or her knowledge each entity is not in default in the
performance or observance of any terms, provisions and conditions of this
Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing
all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and
what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto) and
that to the best of his or her knowledge no event has occurred and remains in
existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of or
interest, if any, or Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes is prohibited or
if such event has occurred, a description of the event and what action the
Company is taking or

                                       52

<PAGE>

proposes to take with respect thereto. For purposes of this Section 4.5, such
compliance shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or
requirement of notice under this Indenture.

         (b)      So long as not contrary to the then current recommendations of
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the annual reports
delivered pursuant to Section 4.4 above shall be accompanied by a written
statement of the Company's independent public accountants (who shall be a firm
of established national reputation) that in making the examination necessary for
certification of such financial statements, nothing has come to their attention
that would lead them to believe that the Company has violated any provisions of
Article Four or Article Five hereof or, if any such violation has occurred,
specifying the nature and period of existence thereof, it being understood that
such accountants shall not be liable directly or indirectly to any Person for
any failure to obtain knowledge of any such violation.

         (c)      The Company shall, within five Business Days, upon becoming
aware of any Default or Event of Default, deliver to the Trustee an Officer's
Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default.

         SECTION 4.6       PAYMENT OF TAXES AND OTHER CLAIMS.

         The Company will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged,
before the same shall become delinquent, (a) all material taxes, assessments and
governmental charges levied or imposed upon it or any Subsidiary or upon the
income, profits or property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (b)
all material lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies, which, if unpaid,
might by law become a lien upon the property of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries that could produce a material adverse effect on the consolidated
financial condition of the Company; provided, however, that the Company shall
not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such
tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and in respect of which
appropriate reserves (in the good faith judgment of management of the Company)
are being maintained in accordance with GAAP.

         SECTION 4.7       LIMITATION ON LIENS.

         The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien of any kind
(other than Permitted Liens) securing Indebtedness, upon any of its property or
assets, now owned or hereafter acquired, unless all payments under the Notes are
equally and ratably secured (except that Liens securing Subordinated
Indebtedness shall be expressly subordinate to any Lien securing the Notes and
any related applicable guarantees to the same extent such Subordinated
Indebtedness is subordinate to the Notes and any related applicable guarantees).

         SECTION 4.8       CORPORATE EXISTENCE.

         Subject to Article Five, the Company shall do or cause to be done all
things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate
existence and that of each Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and the
corporate rights (charter and statutory), corporate licenses and corporate
franchises of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, except where a
failure to do so, singly or in the aggregate, is not likely to have a materially
adverse effect upon the

                                       53

<PAGE>

business, assets, financial conditions or results of operations of the Company
and the Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with GAAP; provided, that prior to the occurrence and
continuance of an Event of Default, the Company shall not be required to
preserve any such existence (except of the Company), right, license or franchise
if the Board of Directors of the Company, or of the Restricted Subsidiary
concerned, shall determine and deliver to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate
to the effect that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the
conduct of the business of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary and that
the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

         SECTION 4.9       OFFER TO REPURCHASE UPON CHANGE OF CONTROL.

         Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of Notes shall
have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to
$1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of such Holder's Notes pursuant to the
offer described below (the "CHANGE OF CONTROL OFFER") at an offer price in cash
equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the date of purchase (the
"CHANGE OF CONTROL PAYMENT"). Within 30 days following any Change of Control,
the Company shall mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or
transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase
the Notes pursuant to the procedures required by this Indenture and described in
such notice. The Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under
the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations to the extent
they are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result
of a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws
or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture, the Company will
comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be
deemed to have breached its obligations described in this Indenture by virtue
thereof.

         The Change of Control Offer shall remain open for a period of 20
Business Days following its commencement and no longer, except to the extent
that a longer period is required by applicable law (the "CHANGE OF CONTROL OFFER
PERIOD"). No later than five Business Days after the termination of the Offer
Period (the "CHANGE OF CONTROL PURCHASE DATE"), the Company shall purchase all
Notes validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the Change of
Control Offer. Payment for any Notes so purchased will be made in the same
manner as interest payments are made on the Notes.

         If the Change of Control Purchase Date is on or after Regular Record
Date and on or before the related Interest Payment Date, any accrued and unpaid
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, will be paid to the Person in whose
name a Note is registered at the close of business on such Regular Record Date,
and no additional interest will be payable to Holders who tender Notes pursuant
to the Change of Control Offer.

         Upon the commencement of a Change of Control Offer, the Company shall
send, by first class mail, a notice to each of the Holders, with a copy of each
such notice to the Trustee. The notice shall contain all instructions and
materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender

                                       54

<PAGE>

Notes pursuant to the Change of Control Offer. The Change of Control Offer shall
be made to all Holders. The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Change
of Control Offer, shall state:

         (a)      that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to
this covenant and the length of time the Change of Control Offer shall remain
open;

         (b)      the purchase price and the Change of Control Purchase Date;

         (c)      that any Note which is not validly tendered or is otherwise
not accepted for payment shall continue to accrete or accrue interest;

         (d)      that, unless the Company defaults in making such payment, any
Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer shall cease to
accrete or accrue interest after the Change of Control Purchase Date;

         (e)      that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to any
Change of Control Offer shall be required to surrender the Note, with the form
entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse of the Note
completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Company, a Depository, if
appointed by the Company, or a Paying Agent at the address specified in the
notice at least three days before the Change of Control Purchase Date;

         (f)      that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if
the Company, the Depository or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives,
not later than the expiration of the Change of Control Offer Period, a telegram,
facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the
principal amount of the Note the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement
that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note purchased;

         (g)      that Holders whose Notes are being purchased in part will be
issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the
Notes surrendered, which unpurchased portion must be equal to $1,000 in
principal amount or an integral multiple thereof;

         (h)      a description of the transaction resulting in such Change of
Control Offer; and

         (i)      any additional instructions a Holder must follow in order to
have its Notes repurchased in accordance with this Section 4.9.

         On the Change of Control Purchase Date, the Company shall, to the
extent lawful, (1) accept for payment all Notes or portions thereof validly
tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, (2)
deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment
in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so validly tendered and not properly
withdrawn and (3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes so
accepted together with an Officers' Certificate stating the aggregate principal
amount of Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the Company. The Paying
Agent shall promptly mail to each Holder of the Notes so validly tendered and
not properly withdrawn the Change of Control Payment for the tendered Notes and
the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by
book entry) to each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any
unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, if any; provided, that each such
new Note shall be in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple
thereof. Prior to complying with the

                                       55

<PAGE>

provisions of this covenant, but in any event within 30 days following a Change
of Control, the Company shall either repay all outstanding Senior Debt or obtain
the requisite consents, if any, under all agreements governing outstanding
Senior Debt to permit the repurchase of the Notes required by this covenant. The
Company shall publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on
the Change of Control Purchase Date.

         SECTION 4.10      ASSET SALES.

         The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless (i) the Company, or the
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of
such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets or Equity
Interests sold or otherwise disposed of (evidenced by a resolution of the Board
of Directors of such entity set forth in an Officers' Certificate delivered to
the Trustee) and (ii) at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from the Asset Sale, plus all other Asset
Sales since the Issue Date, on a cumulative basis, is in the form of (A) cash or
Cash Equivalents or (B) properties and capital assets to be used by the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary in the Oil and Gas Business, or Capital Stock of a
Person engaged in the Oil and Gas Business which becomes a Wholly Owned
Subsidiary of the Company, or any combination thereof (collectively the "CASH
CONSIDERATION"); provided, that the amount of (x) any liabilities, as shown on
the Company's or such Restricted Subsidiary's most recent balance sheet, of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities and
liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any Subsidiary
Guarantee) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to (1)
a customary novation agreement that releases the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary from further liability or (2) an assignment agreement that includes,
in lieu of such a release, the agreement of the transferee or its parent company
to indemnify and hold harmless the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from
and against any loss, liability or cost in respect of such assumed liability
(provided, however, that such indemnifying party (or its long term debt
securities) shall have an Investment Grade Rating (with no indication of a
negative outlook or credit watch with negative implications, in any case, that
contemplates such indemnifying party (or its long term debt securities) failing
to have an Investment Grade Rating) at the time the indemnity is entered into)
and (y) any non Cash Consideration received by the Company or any such
Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted into cash by the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary within 90 days after such Asset Sale,
shall be deemed to be cash for purposes of this provision to the extent of the
cash received. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the 75% limitation referred to
above shall be deemed satisfied with respect to any Asset Sale in which the cash
or Cash Equivalents portion of the consideration received therefrom, determined
in accordance with the foregoing provision on an after-tax basis, is equal to or
greater than what the after-tax proceeds would have been had such Asset Sale
complied with the aforementioned 75% limitation.

         Within 360 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset
Sale, the Company (or the Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable) may apply, or
enter into binding contracts (subject only to obtaining required governmental
approvals) irrevocably committing the Company or the Restricted Subsidiary to
apply, an amount equal to such Net Proceeds to an investment in another
business, the making of a capital expenditure or the acquisition of other
tangible assets, in each case in the Oil and Gas Business, or the Company (or
the Restricted Subsidiary, as

                                       56

<PAGE>

applicable) may apply such Net Proceeds to the permanent reduction of Senior
Debt; provided, however, that pending application of an amount equal to such Net
Proceeds pursuant to the preceding sentence, such Net Proceeds may be applied to
temporarily reduce revolving credit indebtedness. The amount equal to (x) the
difference between the amount applied or invested or committed to be applied or
invested, as provided in the preceding sentence of this paragraph and (y) the
then aggregate amount of Net Proceeds from Asset Sales will be deemed to
constitute "EXCESS PROCEEDS." On or prior to the 361st day after an Asset Sale,
if the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $15.0 million, the Company
shall make an offer to all Holders of Notes and, to the extent required by the
terms thereof, to all holders or lenders of Pari Passu Indebtedness (an "ASSET
SALE OFFER") to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and any such Pari
Passu Indebtedness to which the asset sale offer applies that may be purchased
out of the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100%
of the principal amount (or accreted value in the case of Pari Passu
Indebtedness issued with significant original issue discount) thereof plus
accrued and unpaid interest and, with respect to the Notes or similar
securities, Liquidated Damages or comparable amounts in the case of similar
securities, if any, thereon to the date of purchase, in accordance with the
procedures set forth below in this Section 4.10 or the agreements governing the
Pari Passu Indebtedness, as applicable. To the extent that the aggregate amount
of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness so validly tendered and not properly
withdrawn pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the
Company may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes. If
the aggregate principal amount of Notes surrendered by Holders thereof and other
Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by holders or lenders thereof, collectively,
exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Notes and
Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis on the basis of the
aggregate principal amount of tendered Notes and the aggregate principal amount
(or accreted value in the case of Pari Passu Indebtedness issued with
significant original issue discount) of Pari Passu Indebtedness. Upon completion
of such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.

         In the event that the Company shall be required to commence an Asset
Sale Offer, it shall follow the procedures specified below. The Asset Sale Offer
will remain open for a period of 20 Business Days following its commencement and
no longer, except to the extent that a longer period is required by applicable
law (the "ASSET SALE OFFER PERIOD"). No later than five Business Days after the
termination of the Asset Sale Offer Period (the "ASSET SALE PURCHASE DATE"), the
Company will purchase the principal amount of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness
required to be purchased pursuant to this Section 4.10 (the "ASSET SALE OFFER
AMOUNT") or, if less than the Asset Sale Offer Amount has been so validly
tendered, all Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness validly tendered in response to
the Asset Sale Offer. Payment for any Notes so purchased will be made in the
same manner as interest payments are made on the Notes and Pari Passu
Indebtedness, respectively.

         If the Asset Sale Purchase Date is on or after a Regular Record Date
and on or before the related Interest Payment Date, any accrued and unpaid
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, will be paid to the Person in whose
name a Note is registered at the close of business on such Regular Record Date,
and no additional interest or Liquidated Damages will be payable to Holders who
tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer.

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<PAGE>

         Upon the commencement of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company shall send,
by first class mail, a notice to the Trustee and each of the Holders of Notes,
with a copy to the Trustee. The notice shall contain all instructions and
materials necessary to enable such holders or lenders, as the case may be, to
tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer. The notice, which shall govern
the terms of the Asset Sale Offer, shall state:

         (a)      that the Asset Sale Offer is being made pursuant to this
Section 4.10 and the length of time the Asset Sale Offer shall remain open;

         (b)      the Asset Sale Offer Amount, the purchase price and the Asset
Sale Purchase Date;

         (c)      that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment shall
continue to accrete or accrue interest;

         (d)      that, unless the Company defaults in making such payment, any
Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer shall cease to accrue
interest after the Asset Sale Purchase Date;

         (e)      that Holders of Notes electing to have a Note purchased
pursuant to any Asset Sale Offer shall be required to surrender the Note with
the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse of the
Note completed, or transfer by book entry transfer, to the Company, a
Depository, if appointed by the Company, or a Paying Agent at the address
specified in the notice not later than the third Business Day preceding the end
of the Asset Sale Offer Period;

         (f)      that Holders of Notes shall be entitled to withdraw their
election if the Company, the Depository or the Paying Agent, as the case may be,
receives, not later than the Business Day preceding the end of the Asset Sale
Offer Period, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the
name of such holder, the principal amount of the Note that the Holder of Notes
delivered for purchase and a statement that such holder is withdrawing his
election to have such Note purchased;

         (g)      that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes surrendered
by Holders of Notes or holders or lenders of Pari Passu Indebtedness, as the
case may be, exceeds the Asset Sale Offer Amount, the Company shall select the
Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness, if any, to be purchased on a pro rata basis
(with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that only
Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness in denominations of $1,000, or integral
multiples thereof, shall be purchased); and

         (h)      that Holders of Notes whose notes were purchased only in part
shall be issued new notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion
of the notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer).

         On or before the Asset Sale Purchase Date, the Company will, to the
extent lawful, accept for payment, on a pro rata basis by principal amount
tendered to the extent necessary, the Asset Sale Offer Amount of Notes and Pari
Passu Indebtedness or portions thereof so validly tendered and not properly
withdrawn pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer, or if less than the Asset Sale Offer

                                       58

<PAGE>

Amount has been validly tendered and not properly withdrawn, all Notes and Pari
Passu Indebtedness so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn. The Company
shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that such Notes or
portions thereof were accepted for payment by the Company in accordance with the
terms of this section and, in addition, the Company shall deliver all
certificates and notices required, if any, by the agreements governing the Pari
Passu Indebtedness. The Company, the Depository or the Paying Agent, as the case
may be, shall promptly (but in any case not later than five days after the Asset
Sale Purchase Date) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder of Notes or holder
or lender of Pari Passu Indebtedness, as the case may be, an amount equal to the
purchase price of the Notes or Pari Passu Indebtedness so validly tendered and
not properly withdrawn by such Holder or lender, as the case may be, and
accepted by the Company for purchase, and the Company shall promptly issue a new
Note, and the Trustee, upon delivery of an Officers' Certificate from the
Company will authenticate and mail or deliver the new Note to the Holder, in a
principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the surrendered Note. In
addition, the Company shall take any and all other actions required by the
agreements governing the Pari Passu Indebtedness. Any Note not so accepted shall
be promptly mailed or delivered by the Company to its Holder. The Company shall
publicly announce the results of the Asset Sale Offer on the Asset Sale Purchase
Date.

         The Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the
Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the
extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase
of the Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions
of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this
Indenture, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and
regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described
in this Indenture by virtue thereof.

         SECTION 4.11      LIMITATION ON RESTRICTED PAYMENTS.

         The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly: (i) declare or pay any dividend or make
any distribution on account of the Company's or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries' Equity Interests (other than dividends or distributions payable in
Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company); (ii) purchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (x) any Equity Interests of the
Company or (y) any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company
(other than Equity Interests owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company); (iii) prepay, purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or
retire for value any Subordinated Indebtedness, except a scheduled repayment of
principal or a payment of principal at stated maturity; or (iv) make any
Restricted Investment (all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses
(i) through (iv) above being collectively referred to as "RESTRICTED PAYMENTS")
(provided, however, that no Permitted Investment shall be deemed to be a
Restricted Payment), unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such
Restricted Payment:

         (a)      no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing or would occur as a consequence of such Restricted Payment;

         (b)      the Company would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and
after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had been
made at the beginning of the

                                       59

<PAGE>

applicable four-quarter period, have been permitted to incur at least $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set
forth in the first paragraph of Section 4.12 hereof; and

         (c)      such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate of all
other Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
after the Issue Date (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (ii),
(iii), (iv), (vi), (vii), (viii) and (ix) of the next succeeding paragraph (d)),
is less than the sum, without duplication, of:

                  (i)      50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for
the period (taken as one accounting period) from the beginning of the first
fiscal quarter commencing after the Issue Date to the end of the Company's most
recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are
available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, if such Consolidated Net
Income for such period is a deficit or loss, less 100% of such deficit or loss),
plus

                  (ii)     100% of (A) the aggregate net cash proceeds, (B) the
fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Company evidenced by a
resolution of the Board of Directors) of (x) marketable securities (other than
marketable securities of the Company), (y) Capital Stock (other than Capital
Stock of the Company) of a Person (other than an Affiliate of the Company)
engaged primarily in the Oil and Gas Business; provided, that Person becomes a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and (z) other assets used in the Oil and
Gas Business, in the case of clauses (A) and (B), received by the Company after
the Issue Date from the issue or sale of, or from additional capital
contributions in respect of, Equity Interests of the Company (but excluding cash
proceeds and marketable securities received from the sale of Equity Interests to
members of management or directors of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries after the Issue Date to the extent such amounts have been applied
to make Restricted Payments in accordance with clause (vi) of the next
succeeding paragraph) and (C) the amount by which Indebtedness of the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary is reduced on the Company's consolidated balance sheet
upon the conversion or exchange subsequent to the Issue Date of any such
Indebtedness into or for Equity Interests of the Company (other than
Disqualified Stock), together with the net proceeds, if any, received by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries upon such conversion or exchange,
plus

                  (iii)    to the extent that any Restricted Investment that was
made after the Issue Date is sold to an unaffiliated purchaser for cash or
marketable securities or otherwise liquidated or repaid for cash or marketable
securities, the lesser of (A) the cash proceeds and/or the fair market value of
such marketable securities (as determined in good faith by the Company), as the
case may be, and (B) the initial amount of the Restricted Investment, plus

                  (iv)     the amount equal to the net reduction in Investments
in Unrestricted Subsidiaries resulting from (A) payments of dividends or
interest or other transfers of assets to the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary from Unrestricted Subsidiaries, (B) the redesignation of Unrestricted
Subsidiaries as Restricted Subsidiaries or (C) the receipt of proceeds by the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from the sale or other disposition of any
portion of any Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary, plus

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                  (v)      $10.0 million.

         (d)      The foregoing provisions will not prohibit:

                  (i)      the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the
date of declaration thereof, if at said date of declaration such payment would
have complied with the provisions of this Indenture;

                  (ii)     the making of any Restricted Investment in exchange
for, or out of the proceeds of, the substantially concurrent sale (other than to
a Subsidiary of the Company) of, or from substantially concurrent additional
capital contributions in respect of, Equity Interests of the Company (other than
Disqualified Stock) (provided, that the amount of any such cash proceeds that
are utilized for any such Restricted Investment shall be excluded from clause
(c)(ii) of the preceding paragraph);

                  (iii)    the defeasance, redemption, repurchase, retirement or
other acquisition of any Subordinated Indebtedness or of any Equity Interests of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, in exchange for, or out of the net
cash proceeds from (x) an incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness or
(y) the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the
Company) of, or from substantially concurrent additional capital contributions
(other than from a Subsidiary of the Company) in respect of, Equity Interests of
the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) (provided, that the amount of any
such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any such defeasance, redemption,
repurchase, retirement or other acquisition shall be excluded from clause
(c)(ii) of the preceding paragraph);

                  (iv)     any dividend or other distribution made by any Wholly
Owned Subsidiary of the Company to another Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the
Company or to the Company;

                  (v)      the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or
retirement for value of any Equity Interests of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company held by any future, present or former employee or
director (or any of their respective heirs or estates or permitted transferees)
of the Company or any of the Company's Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to any
agreements (including employment agreements) or management equity plan or stock
option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement
(including, without limitation, any management equity subscription agreement,
stock option agreement or similar written arrangement) approved by the Board of
Directors; provided, that the aggregate Restricted Payments made under this
clause (v) do not exceed in any calendar year $2.5 million (with unused amounts
in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years subject to
a maximum (without giving effect to the following proviso) of $7.5 million in
any calendar year); provided, further, that such amount in any calendar year may
be increased by an amount not to exceed (A) the cash proceeds received by the
Company from the sale of Equity Interests of the Company to members of
management or directors of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries that
occurs after the Issue Date (to the extent the cash proceeds from the sale of
such Equity Interests have not otherwise been applied to the payment of
Restricted Payments by virtue of the preceding paragraph (c)), plus (B) the cash
proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date, less (C) the amount of any
Restricted Payments made pursuant to clauses (A) and (B) of this clause (v));

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                  (vi)     repurchases, redemptions or other acquisitions or
retirements for value of Equity Interests of the Company deemed to occur upon
exercise or exchange of warrants, options or rights to acquire Equity Interests
is such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise or exchange price
of such warrants, options or rights, and any repurchases, redemptions or other
acquisitions or retirements for value of Equity Interests made in lieu of
withholding taxes in connection with any exercise or exchange of warrants,
options or rights to acquire Equity Interests;

                  (vii)    payments to dissenting stockholders (x) pursuant to
applicable law or (y) in connection with the settlement or other satisfaction of
legal claims made pursuant to or in connection with a consolidation, merger or
transfer of assets in connection with a transaction that is not prohibited by
this Indenture;

                  (viii)   cash payments in lieu of the issuance of fractional
shares; and

                  (ix)     the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or
retirement for value of common Equity Interests of the Company held by any
Permitted Holder (provided, however, that (A) the aggregate amount of Restricted
Payments made in reliance on this clause (ix) shall not exceed $300.0 million
and (B) after giving pro forma effect to any incurrence, assumption, guarantee,
redemption or repayment of Indebtedness, or any issuance or redemption of
Disqualified Stock, incurred or issued to finance all or a portion of such
repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement, the Company's
Leverage Ratio would not have exceeded 1.75 to 1.0);

provided, however, that in the case of any transaction described in clauses
(ii), (iii), (v) and (ix) and subclause (y) of clause (vii), in each case, of
this paragraph (d), no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and be
continuing immediately after such transaction.

         (e)      The Board of Directors may designate any Subsidiary to be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary if the designation would not cause a Default. For
purposes of making this determination, all outstanding Investments by the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, except to the extent repaid in cash, in
the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Restricted Payments at the
time of the designation and will reduce the amount available for Restricted
Payments under the first paragraph of this covenant. The designation will only
be permitted if such Restricted Payment would be permitted at such time and if
such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

         (f)      The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall
be the fair market value (evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Directors
set forth in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee) on the date of
the Restricted Payment of the assets proposed to be transferred by the Company
or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the
Restricted Payment. Not later than the date of making any Restricted Payment,
the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that
such Restricted Payment is permitted and setting forth the basis upon which the
calculation required by this covenant were computed, which calculations may be
based upon the Company's latest available financial statements.

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         SECTION 4.12      LIMITATION ON INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS AND ISSUANCE
OF PREFERRED STOCK.

         The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee
or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise,
with respect to (collectively, "INCUR") any Indebtedness (including Acquired
Indebtedness), and the Company will not issue any shares of Disqualified Stock
and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of
preferred stock; provided, however, that the Company may incur Indebtedness
(including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock and any
of the Subsidiary Guarantors may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired
Indebtedness), if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Reference Period
immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred
or such Disqualified Stock is issued would have been at least 2.5 to 1.0,
determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net
proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred, or
Disqualified Stock had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such
Reference Period.

         Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the first paragraph of
this covenant will not prohibit the following:

         (a)      the incurrence by the Company of Indebtedness under the Credit
Agreement, so long as the aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding of
all Indebtedness incurred under this clause (a) does not exceed the greater of
(i) $300.0 million and (ii) 20% of Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of
the Company determined immediately after the incurrence of such Indebtedness
(including the application of the proceeds therefrom);

         (b)      the incurrence (i) by the Company of Indebtedness represented
by (A) the Notes issued on the Issue Date, (B) any Notes issued in exchange for
any Notes issued on the Issue Date, or (C) any Notes issued in exchange for any
Notes issued after the Issue Date in compliance with the Fixed Charge Coverage
Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of this Section 4.12, or (ii) by any
Restricted Subsidiaries of a Subsidiary Guarantee;

         (c)      the guarantee by any Subsidiary Guarantor of any Indebtedness
that is permitted by this Indenture to be incurred by the Company at the time
such Indebtedness was incurred;

         (d)      the incurrence by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor of
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which
are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund, Indebtedness
of such entity that was in existence on the Issue Date or Indebtedness or
Disqualified Stock of the Company or Indebtedness of a Subsidiary Guarantor, in
each case, that was permitted by this Indenture to be incurred (including any
Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock previously incurred pursuant to this clause
(d), but excluding Indebtedness under clauses (a), (c), (e), (f), (i) and (j) of
this Section 4.12);

         (e)      the incurrence by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of
intercompany Indebtedness or preferred stock between or among the Company and
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or between or among any Restricted
Subsidiaries; provided, however, that (i) any subsequent issuance or transfer of
Equity Interests that results in any such Indebtedness or

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preferred stock being held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary and (ii) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness or
preferred stock to a Person that is not either the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary will be deemed, in each case, to constitute an incurrence of such
Indebtedness by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, or the issuance by
such Restricted Subsidiary of such preferred stock, as the case may be;
provided, further, that if the Company is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such
Indebtedness is expressly subordinate to the payment in full of all Obligations
with respect to the Notes;

         (f)      (i) the incurrence, assumption or creation of Hedging
Obligations of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to interest rate
protection obligations, but only to the extent that the stated aggregate
notional amounts of such obligations do not exceed 105% of the aggregate
principal amount of the Indebtedness covered by such interest rate protection
obligations; (ii) the incurrence, assumption or creation of Hedging Obligations
under currency exchange contracts entered into in the ordinary course of
business for the purpose of limiting risks that arise in the ordinary course of
business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries; (iii) the incurrence,
assumption or creation of, or advances or extensions of credit under, Oil and
Natural Gas Hedging Contracts; and (iv) unrealized losses or charges in respect
of Hedging Obligations (including those resulting from the application of
Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133);

         (g)      Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of Persons that are
acquired by the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors or merged into a
Subsidiary Guarantor in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; provided,
that such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock is not incurred in contemplation of
such acquisition or merger; provided, further, that after giving effect to such
acquisition, the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set
forth in the first paragraph of this covenant;

         (h)      all Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries in existence on the Issue Date;

         (i)      Indebtedness, including Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness,
incurred by a Foreign Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate amount not to exceed
20% of such Foreign Restricted Subsidiary's Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible
Assets, at any time outstanding; and

         (j)      the incurrence by the Company or by any of the Subsidiary
Guarantors of Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount (or accreted value,
as applicable) at any time outstanding, or the issuance of Disqualified Stock by
the Company (measured, in the case of Disqualified Stock, at the greater of its
voluntary or involuntary maximum fixed repurchase or redemption price plus
accrued and unpaid dividends) incurred or issued pursuant to this clause (j),
including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to refund, refinance
or replace any Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock incurred or issued pursuant to
this clause (j), in an aggregate amount at any time outstanding not to exceed
$40.0 million.

Each item of Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Company or Indebtedness
of a Subsidiary Guarantor described in clauses (a) through (j) of this Section
4.12 shall constitute "PERMITTED DEBT." For purposes of determining compliance
with this covenant, in the event that an item of

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proposed Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Company or Indebtedness of a
Subsidiary Guarantor meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of
Permitted Debt described in clauses (a) through (j) above, or is entitled to be
incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 4.12, the Company will
be permitted to classify at the time of incurrence such item of Indebtedness or
Disqualified Stock in any manner that complies with the provisions of any of the
categories of Permitted Debt or the first paragraph of this Section 4.12,
including in a manner than divides such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock
between or among more than one such category or the first paragraph of this
Section 4.12. If Indebtedness is issued at less than the principal amount
thereof, the amount of such Indebtedness for purposes of the above limitations
shall equal the amount of the liability as determined in accordance with GAAP.

         The accrual of interest, the accretion nor amortization of original
issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of
additional Indebtedness with the same terms and the payment of dividends on
Disqualified Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of
Disqualified Stock, in each case, will not be deemed to be an incurrence of
Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Stock for purposes of this covenant.

         SECTION 4.13      TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES.

         The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its
properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into
or make any contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with,
or for the benefit of, any Affiliate (each of the foregoing, an "AFFILIATE
Transaction"), unless (a) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no
less favorable to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those
that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person, and (b) the Company delivers to
the Trustee (i) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related
Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $5.0
million, a resolution of the Board of Directors set forth in an Officers'
Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (a)
above and that such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the
disinterested members of the Board of Directors and (ii) with respect to any
Affiliate Transaction involving aggregate consideration in excess of $15.0
million, an opinion as to the fairness to the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary of the Affiliate Transaction from a financial point of view issued by
an investment banking firm of national standing.

         Notwithstanding any provision of this Indenture to the contrary, the
following items shall not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and, therefore,
will not be subject to the provisions of the first paragraph of this Section
4.13:

         (a)      reasonable fees and compensation paid to, and indemnity
provided on behalf of, officers and directors of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary as determined in good faith by the appropriate Board of Directors or
senior management;

         (b)      transactions with customers, clients, suppliers, joint venture
partners or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the
ordinary course of business (including, without limitation, pursuant to joint
venture agreements) and otherwise in compliance with the terms of

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this Indenture and which comply with the terms of clause (b) of the first
paragraph of this Section 4.13;

         (c)      any employment agreement entered into by the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with the past practice of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary (including,
without limitation, any such employment agreements entered into prior to the
Issue Date);

         (d)      any issuance of securities, or other payments, awards or
grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of,
employment or severance arrangements, stock options and stock ownership, phantom
stock or other incentive compensation plans approved by the Board of Directors;

         (e)      the payment of reasonable fees to directors of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries;

         (f)      the issuance or sale of any Capital Stock (other than
Disqualified Stock) of the Company or the receipt by the Company of any capital
contribution from its shareholders;

         (g)      indemnities of officers, directors and employees of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries permitted by bylaw or statutory
provisions and any employment agreement or other employee compensation plan or
arrangement entered into in the ordinary course of business by the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

         (h)      transactions between or among the Company and/or its
Restricted Subsidiaries;

         (i)      any Permitted Investment and any Restricted Payments that are
not prohibited by Section 4.11; and

         (j)      any contracts, agreements or understandings existing as of the
Issue Date and any amendment thereto or any transaction contemplated thereby
(including pursuant to any amendment thereto or any replacement agreement
thereof so long as any such amendment or replacement agreement is not more
disadvantageous to the holders of the Notes in any material respect than the
original agreement as in effect on the Issue Date).

         SECTION 4.14      DIVIDEND AND OTHER PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING
RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES.

         The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become
effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any
Restricted Subsidiary to (a) pay dividends or make any other distributions on
its Equity Interests to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or
pay any indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
(b) make loans or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
or (c) transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the foregoing provisions of
this Section 4.14 shall not prohibit any such encumbrances or restrictions
existing under or by reason of:

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                  (i)      any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to or by
reason of an agreement in effect at or entered into on the Issue Date, including
any Existing Indebtedness as in effect on the Issue Date,

                  (ii)     the Credit Agreement as in effect as of the Issue
Date, and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases,
supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings thereof (provided, that
such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements,
refundings, replacements or refinancings are no more restrictive with respect to
such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the Credit
Agreement as in effect on the Issue Date),

                  (iii)    any instrument governing Acquired Indebtedness or
Capital Stock of a Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent
such Acquired Indebtedness was incurred in connection with or in contemplation
of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any
Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the
property or assets of the Person, so acquired,

                  (iv)     Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness (provided, that
the restrictions contained in the agreements governing such Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness are no more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those
contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being refinanced,

                  (v)      any agreement for the sale of a Subsidiary that
restricts distributions by that Subsidiary pending its sale,

                  (vi)     with respect to any Foreign Restricted Subsidiary,
any encumbrance or restriction contained in the terms of any Indebtedness or any
agreement or instrument pursuant to which such Indebtedness was incurred or
issued, if (A) the encumbrance or restriction applies only in the event of a
payment default or a default with respect to a financial covenant contained in
such Indebtedness or agreement or instrument, (B) the encumbrance or restriction
is not materially more disadvantageous to the Holders of the Notes than is
customary in comparable financings (as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive), and (C) the Company
determines that any such encumbrance or restriction will not materially affect
the Company's ability to make principal or interest payments on the Notes (as
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be
conclusive), and

                  (vii)    with respect to clause (c) of this Section 4.14 only,
any of the following encumbrances or restrictions:

                           (A)      secured Indebtedness that limits the right
         of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness and
         any encumbrance or restriction contained in security agreements,
         mortgages, purchase money agreements or similar instruments securing
         Obligations of a Subsidiary Guarantor to the extent such encumbrance or
         restriction restricts the transfer of the property subject to such
         security agreements, mortgages, purchase money agreements or similar
         instruments,

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                           (B)      any encumbrance or restriction consisting of
         customary non-assignment provisions (including provisions forbidding
         subletting) in leases governing leasehold interests to the extent such
         provisions restrict the transfer of the lease, the property leased
         thereunder or the other interests therein,

                           (C)      customary restrictions contained in asset
         sale agreements limiting the transfer of such assets pending the
         closing of such sale,

                           (D)      restrictions on cash or other deposits or
         net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the
         ordinary course of business, and

                           (E)      customary encumbrances and restrictions
         contained in agreements of the types described in the definition of the
         term "Permitted Business Investments."

         SECTION 4.15      LIMITATIONS ON GUARANTEES OF INDEBTEDNESS BY
RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES.

         The Company shall not permit any Domestic Restricted Subsidiary to
guarantee the payment of any Indebtedness of the Company unless (a) the Domestic
Restricted Subsidiary simultaneously executes and delivers a supplemental
indenture to this Indenture providing for a Subsidiary Guarantee by the Domestic
Restricted Subsidiary, except that with respect to a guarantee of Indebtedness
of the Company (i) if the Notes are subordinated in right of payment to the
guaranteed Indebtedness, the Subsidiary Guarantee under the supplemental
indenture shall be subordinated to the Domestic Restricted Subsidiary's
guarantee with respect to the guaranteed Indebtedness substantially to the same
extent as the Notes are subordinated to that Indebtedness under this Indenture
and (ii) if the guaranteed Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in
right of payment to the Notes, any guarantee of the Domestic Restricted
Subsidiary with respect to that Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of
payment to such Domestic Restricted Subsidiary's Subsidiary Guarantee with
respect to the Notes substantially to the same extent as the Indebtedness is
subordinated to the Notes; (b) the Domestic Restricted Subsidiary waives and
will not in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any
rights of reimbursement, indemnity or subrogation or any other rights against
the Company or any other Domestic Restricted Subsidiary as a result of any
payment by the Domestic Restricted Subsidiary under its Subsidiary Guarantee of
the Notes; and (c) the Domestic Restricted Subsidiary delivers to the Trustee an
opinion of counsel to the effect that (i) the Subsidiary Guarantee has been duly
executed and authorized and (ii) the Subsidiary Guarantee constitutes a valid,
binding and enforceable obligation of such Domestic Restricted Subsidiary,
except insofar as enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency
or similar laws (including, without limitation, all laws relating to fraudulent
transfers) and except insofar as enforcement thereof is subject to general
principles of equity; provided, that this paragraph shall not be applicable to
any guarantee by any Domestic Restricted Subsidiary (x) that (A) existed at the
time the Person became a Domestic Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and (B)
was not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, the Person becoming
a Domestic Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or (y) that guarantees the
payment of Obligations of the Company under the Credit Agreement or any other
Senior Debt of the Company and any refunding, refinancing or replacement
thereof, in whole or in part; provided that such refunding, refinancing or
replacement thereof constitutes Senior Debt of the Company.

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         Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph and the other provisions of
this Indenture, any Subsidiary Guarantee by any Subsidiary Guarantor shall
provide by its terms that it shall be automatically and unconditionally released
and discharged upon (i) any sale, exchange or transfer, to any Person not an
Affiliate of the Company, of all of the Company's Capital Stock in, or all or
substantially all the assets of, such Subsidiary Guarantor whether by way of
merger, consolidation or otherwise (which sale, exchange or transfer is not
prohibited by this Indenture), (ii) the release or discharge of the guarantee
which resulted in the creation of the Subsidiary Guarantee, except a discharge
or release by or as a result of payment under such guarantee or (iii) the
designation of such Subsidiary Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

         SECTION 4.16      LIMITATION ON LAYERING INDEBTEDNESS.

         The Company shall not incur, create, issue, assume, guarantee or
otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness that by its terms or the terms of
any documents or instruments relating thereto is subordinate or junior in right
of payment to any Senior Debt of the Company and senior in any respect in right
of payment to the Notes. In addition, the Company shall not permit the
Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, to incur, create, issue, assume, guarantee or
otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness that by its terms or the terms of
any documents or instruments relating thereto is subordinate or junior in right
of payment to Senior Debt of such Subsidiary Guarantor and senior in any respect
in right of payment to the Subsidiary Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor;
provided, however, that solely for the avoidance of doubt and without any other
implication, the foregoing limitations will not apply to distinctions between
categories of Indebtedness that exist by reason of any Liens arising or created
in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture in respect of some but not
all such Indebtedness.

         SECTION 4.17      LINE OF BUSINESS.

         The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary
to, engage in any line of business other than the Oil and Gas Business, except
to the extent as would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken
as a whole.

         SECTION 4.18      SUSPENSION OF COVENANTS.

         Following any day (a "SUSPENSION DATE") that (a) the Notes have an
Investment Grade Rating, (b) follows a date on which the Notes do not have an
Investment Grade Rating, and (c) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and
is continuing under this Indenture, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
shall not be subject to the covenants described in Sections 4.9, 4.10, 4.11,
4.12, 4.13 and 4.14 (collectively, the "SUSPENDED COVENANTS"). In addition, the
Subsidiary Guarantees of any Subsidiary Guarantors will also be suspended as of
any Suspension Date. In the event that the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants for any period of time
as a result of the foregoing, and on any subsequent date the Notes fail to have
an Investment Grade Rating, then immediately after such date (a "REVERSION
DATE"), the Suspended Covenants will again be in effect with respect to future
events and the Subsidiary Guarantees will be reinstated, unless and until a
subsequent Suspension Date occurs. The period between a Suspension Date and a
Reversion Date is referred to in this Indenture as a "SUSPENSION PERIOD."
Notwithstanding that the Suspended

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Covenants may be reinstated, no default will be deemed to have occurred as a
result of a failure to comply with the Suspended Covenants during any Suspension
Period.

         On each Reversion Date, all Indebtedness incurred during immediately
preceding Suspension Period will be deemed to have been incurred pursuant to the
first paragraph of Section 4.12 or one of the clauses set forth in the second
paragraph of Section 4.12 (to the extent such Indebtedness would be permitted to
be incurred thereunder as of the Reversion Date and after giving effect to
Indebtedness incurred prior to the Suspension Period and outstanding on the
Reversion Date). To the extent such Indebtedness would not be so permitted to be
incurred pursuant to the first or second paragraph of Section 4.12, such
Indebtedness will be deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that
it is deemed as permitted under clause (h) of the second paragraph of Section
4.12. Calculations made after the Reversion Date of the amount available to be
made as Restricted Payments under Section 4.11 will be made as though the
covenants described under Section 4.11 had been in effect since the Issue Date
and throughout the Suspension Period. Accordingly, Restricted Payments made
during the Suspension Period will reduce the amount available to be made as
Restricted Payments under clause (c) under Section 4.11, and the items specified
in subclauses (c)(i) through (c)(iv) of the first paragraph of Section 4.11 will
increase the amount available to be made under clause (c) thereof. For purposes
of determining compliance with the first paragraph of Section 4.10, on the
Reversion Date, the Net Proceeds from all Asset Sales not applied in accordance
with Section 4.10 will be deemed to be reset to zero. Any event or occurrence
described in the definition of the term "Change of Control" that occurs during a
Suspension Period shall be deemed to not be a Change of Control at any time,
regardless of whether a subsequent Reversion Date occurs.

                                   ARTICLE 5
                                   SUCCESSORS

         SECTION 5.1       MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, OR SALE OF ALL OR
SUBSTANTIALLY ALL ASSETS.

         (a)      The Company shall not, in a single transaction or series of
related transactions, consolidate or merge with or into (whether or not the
Company is the surviving corporation), or directly and/or indirectly through its
Restricted Subsidiaries sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise
dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets determined on a
consolidated basis for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a
whole in one or more related transactions, to another Person unless (i) the
Company is the surviving corporation or the Person formed by or surviving any
such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such sale,
assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been
made, is a corporation organized or existing under the laws of one of the states
of the United States or the District of Columbia; (ii) the Person formed by or
surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or the
Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other
disposition will have been made assumes all the obligations of the Company,
under the Notes and this Indenture pursuant to a supplemental indenture in a
form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee; (iii) immediately after such
transaction no Default or Event of Default exists; (iv) except in the case of a
merger of the Company with or into a Wholly Owned Subsidiary that is a
Restricted Subsidiary, the Company or the entity or Person formed by or
surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company), or

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to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other
disposition will have been made will, at the time of such transaction and after
giving pro forma effect thereto as if such transaction had occurred at the
beginning of the applicable Reference Period, be permitted to incur at least
$1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
test set forth in the first paragraph of Section 4.12; (v) the Company delivers
to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel addressed to
the Trustee with respect to the foregoing matters; and (vi) each Subsidiary
Guarantor, if any, unless it is the other party to the transactions described
above, shall have confirmed by supplemental indenture that its Subsidiary
Guarantee shall apply to the Person's obligations under this Indenture and the
Notes.

         (b)      Subject to the provisions of the succeeding sentence relating
to sales of Subsidiary Guarantors, the Company shall not permit a Subsidiary
Guarantor to consolidate with, or merge with or into, whether or not such
Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving Person, another Person other than the
Company or another Subsidiary Guarantor whether or not affiliated with such
Subsidiary Guarantor, unless (i) subject to the provisions of the following
sentence, the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger, if
other than the Subsidiary Guarantor, assumes all the obligations of the
Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to a supplemental indenture in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee in respect of the Notes, this Indenture
and the Subsidiary Guarantees; (ii) immediately after giving effect to such
transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and (iii) the Company
delivers to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel
addressed to the Trustee with respect to the foregoing matters. In the event of
a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of a
Subsidiary Guarantor to a third party (in each case, other than to an Affiliate
of the Company), by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, or a sale or
other disposition of all of the Capital Stock of a Subsidiary Guarantor, then
such Subsidiary Guarantor (in the event of a sale or other disposition, by way
of such a merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all of the Capital Stock of
such Subsidiary Guarantor) or the Person acquiring the property (in the event of
a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such
Subsidiary Guarantor) will be released from and relieved of any obligations
under its Subsidiary Guarantee; provided, that the Net Proceeds of such sale or
other disposition are applied in accordance with Section 4.10.

         (c)      Further, notwithstanding the foregoing two paragraphs, the
merger of the Company with an Affiliate incorporated solely for the purpose of
reincorporating the Company in another jurisdiction shall be permitted.

         SECTION 5.2       SUCCESSOR CORPORATION SUBSTITUTED.

         Upon any consolidation or merger or any sale, assignment, transfer,
lease or conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company in accordance with Section 5.1, the Successor Company will
succeed to, and be substituted for, the Company under this Indenture and the
Notes.

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                                    ARTICLE 6
                              DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

         SECTION 6.1       EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND NOTICE THEREOF.

         Each of the following constitutes an "EVENT OF DEFAULT":

         (a)      default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or
Liquidated Damages, if any, with respect to, the Notes;

         (b)      default in payment when due of the principal of or premium, if
any, on the Notes;

         (c)      failure by the Company to comply with Section 5.1 of this
Indenture or to consummate a purchase of Notes when required pursuant to the
provisions of Section 4.9 or Section 4.10 of this Indenture;

         (d)      failure by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor, if any, for
60 days after notice from the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in
principal amount of the then outstanding Notes to comply with any of its other
agreements in this Indenture or the Notes;

         (e)      default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under
which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any
Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries), other than Indebtedness owed to the Company or a
Wholly Owned Subsidiary, whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists, or
is created after the Issue Date, which default (a) is caused by a failure to pay
principal of or premium, if any, or interest on such Indebtedness prior to the
expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness on the date of such
default unless being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings (a
"PAYMENT DEFAULT") or (b) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior
to its express maturity and, in each case, the principal amount of any such
Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness
under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been
so accelerated, aggregates $20.0 million or more;

         (f)      any final judgment or decree (to the extent not covered by
insurance) for the payment of money in excess of $20.0 million is entered
against the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and shall not be paid
or discharged, and there shall be any period of 60 consecutive days following
entry of such final judgment or decree during which a stay of enforcement of
such final judgment or decree, by reason of pending appeal or otherwise, shall
not be in effect;

         (g)      the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or group of
Restricted Subsidiaries that, together taken (as of the latest audited
consolidated financial statements for the Company and its Subsidiaries), would
constitute a Significant Subsidiary (such group herein referred to as a
"SIGNIFICANT GROUP OF SUBSIDIARIES"):

                  (i)      commences a voluntary case,

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                  (ii)     consents to the entry of an order for relief against
it in an involuntary case in which it is the debtor,

                  (iii)    consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or
for all or substantially all of its property,

                  (iv)     makes a general assignment for the benefit of its
creditors, or

                  (v)      admits in writing its inability generally to pay its
debts as the same become due;

         (h)      a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree
under any Bankruptcy Law that:

                  (i)      is for relief against the Company, any of its
Significant Subsidiaries or a Significant Group of Subsidiaries in an
involuntary case in which it is the debtor,

                  (ii)     appoints a Custodian of the Company, any of its
Significant Subsidiaries or a Significant Group of Subsidiaries, or for all or
substantially all of the property of the Company, a Significant Subsidiary or a
Significant Group of Subsidiaries; or

                  (iii)    orders the liquidation of the Company, any of its
Significant Subsidiaries, or a Significant Group of Subsidiaries;

and the order or decree contemplated in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of this
clause (h), remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; or

         (i)      except as permitted herein, any Subsidiary Guarantee shall be
held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease
for any reason to be in full force and effect or a Subsidiary, or any Person
acting on behalf of such Subsidiary, shall deny or disaffirm its obligations
under its Subsidiary Guarantee.

         SECTION 6.2       ACCELERATION OF MATURITY; RESCISSION.

         If an Event of Default (other than of a type specified in clauses (g)
or (h) of Section 6.1) occurs and is continuing hereunder, the Trustee or the
Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may
declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary
obligations (including Liquidated Damages) on all the then outstanding Notes to
be due and payable immediately by notice in writing to the Company (and the
Trustee, if given by the Holders); provided, that so long as any Indebtedness
permitted to be incurred pursuant to the Credit Agreement shall be outstanding,
such acceleration of the Notes shall not be effective until the earlier of (a)
an acceleration of any such Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement or (b) five
business days after receipt by the Company of written notice of such
acceleration of the Notes.

         Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default
arising under clauses (g) or (h) of Section 6.1, all outstanding Notes will
become due and payable without further action or notice. The Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by

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written notice to the Trustee may rescind an acceleration and its consequences
if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all
existing Events of Default (except nonpayment of principal or interest or
Liquidated Damages that has become due solely because of the acceleration) have
been cured or waived.

         SECTION 6.3       OTHER REMEDIES.

         If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue
any available remedy to collect the payment of principal, premium, if any, and
interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the
Notes or this Indenture.

         The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any
of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or
omission by the Trustee or any Holder of a Note in exercising any right or
remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or
constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. All remedies are
cumulative to the extent permitted by law.

         SECTION 6.4       WAIVER OF PAST DEFAULTS.

         Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all
of the Notes waive an existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences
hereunder, except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment
interest on, or the principal of, premium, if any, or Liquidated Damages, if
any, on the Notes. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and
any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for
every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any
subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

         SECTION 6.5       CONTROL BY MAJORITY.

         The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any
trust or power conferred on it. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any
direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture that the Trustee determines
may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders of Notes or that may
involve the Trustee in personal liability. The Trustee may take any other action
which it deems proper which is not inconsistent with any such direction.

         SECTION 6.6       LIMITATION ON SUITS.

         No Holder of a Note will have any right to institute any proceeding
with respect to this Indenture or for any remedy hereunder, unless (i) such
Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing
Event of Default with respect to the Notes, (ii) the Holders of at least 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding shall have made a
written request to the Trustee to institute such proceeding and, if requested by
the Trustee, provided reasonable indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee, with
respect to such proceeding and (iii) the Trustee shall not have received from
the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal

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amount of the Notes then outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request
and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days.

         SECTION 6.7       RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF NOTES TO RECEIVE PAYMENT.

         Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any
Holder of a Note to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest
on any Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in any Note, or to
bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective
dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

         SECTION 6.8       COLLECTION SUIT BY TRUSTEE.

         If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(a) or (b) occurs and is
continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as
trustee of an express trust against the Company for the whole amount of
principal of, premium, if any, and interest and Liquidated Damages, if any,
remaining unpaid on the Notes and interest on overdue principal and, to the
extent lawful, interest and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover
the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation,
expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

         SECTION 6.9       TRUSTEE MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM.

         The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and other papers
or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the
Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the
Holders of the Notes allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company
(or any other obligor upon the Notes), its creditors or its property and shall
be entitled and empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other
property payable or deliverable on any such claims and any custodian in any such
judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to
the Trustee, as administrative expenses associated with any such proceeding and
in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments
directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee,
its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.7
hereof. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other
amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.7 hereof out of the estate in any such
proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured
by a Lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends,
money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to
receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of
reorganization or arrangement or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be
deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on
behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or
composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the
Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

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         SECTION 6.10      PRIORITIES.

         If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article Six, it
shall pay out the money in the following order:

         First: to the Trustee, its agents and attorneys for amounts due under
Section 7.7 hereof, including payment of all compensation, expense and
liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and the costs and
expenses of collection;

         Second: to holders of Senior Debt of the Company or Senior Debt of the
Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, to the extent required by Article 10 hereof or
any Subsidiary Guarantee;

         Third: to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for
principal, premium, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or
priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for
principal, premium, if any, and interest, and Liquidated Damages, if any,
respectively;

         Fourth: without duplication, to the Holders for any other Obligations
owing to the Holders under this Indenture and the Notes; and

         Fifth: to the Company or to such party as a court of competent
jurisdiction shall direct.

         The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to
Holders of Notes pursuant to this Section 6.10.

         SECTION 6.11      UNDERTAKING FOR COSTS.

         In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this
Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by
it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party
litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the
court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable
attorneys' fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due
regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party
litigant. This Section does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a
Holder of a Note pursuant to Section 6.7 hereof, or a suit by Holders of more
than 10% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.

         SECTION 6.12      WAIVER OF STAY, EXTENSION OF USURY LAWS.

         The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that
it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim
or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever
enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants
or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may
lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such
law, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any
power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of
every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

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                                    ARTICLE 7
                                     TRUSTEE

         SECTION 7.1       DUTIES OF TRUSTEE.

         (a)      If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the
Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this
Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a
prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of
his own affairs.

         (b)      Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:

                  (i)      the duties of the Trustee shall be determined solely
by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee need perform only
those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others,
and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture
against the Trustee; and

                  (ii)     in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee
may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of
the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the
Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture, provided, that the
Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not
they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.

         (c)      The Trustee may not be relieved from liabilities for its own
negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful
misconduct, except that:

                  (i)      this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph
(b) of this Section 7.1;

                  (ii)     the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of
judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that
the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

                  (iii)    the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any
action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction
received by it pursuant to Section 6.5 hereof.

         (d)      Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision
of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to
paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this Section.

         (e)      No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to
expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability. The Trustee shall be under
no obligation to exercise any of its rights and powers under this Indenture
unless the Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity
satisfactory to it against any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense.

         (f)      The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money
received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company.
Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds
except to the extent required by law.

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         SECTION 7.2       RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE.

         (a)      The Trustee may conclusively rely upon any document believed
by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person.
The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.

         (b)      Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may
require an Officers' Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee shall not
be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on
such Officers' Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee may consult with
counsel of its selection and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion
of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection from
liability in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in
good faith and in reliance thereon.

         (c)      The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and shall
not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed with
due care.

         (d)      The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or
omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within the
rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.

         (e)      Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any
demand, request, direction or notice from the Company shall be sufficient if
signed by an Officer of the Company.

         (f)      The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of
the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction
of any of the Holders unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee
reasonable security or indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses
and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or
direction.

         SECTION 7.3       INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE.

         The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the
owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company with the same
rights it would have if it were not Trustee. However, in the event that the
Trustee acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate such conflict within
90 days, apply to the Commission for permission to continue as trustee or
resign. Any Agent may do the same with like rights and duties. The Trustee is
also subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11 hereof.

         SECTION 7.4       TRUSTEE'S DISCLAIMER.

         The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as
to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes, it shall not be
accountable for the Company's use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money
paid to the Company or upon the direction of the Company under any provision of
this Indenture, it shall not be responsible for the use or application of any
money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it shall not be
responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or
any other

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document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture
other than its certificate of authentication.

         SECTION 7.5       NOTICE OF DEFAULTS.

         If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is
known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to Holders of Notes a notice of the
Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case
of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium, if any, or
interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on any Note, the Trustee may withhold
the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good
faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders
of the Notes.

         SECTION 7.6       REPORTS BY TRUSTEE TO HOLDERS OF THE NOTES.

         Within 60 days after each May 15 beginning with the May 15 following
the date of this Indenture, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the
Trustee shall mail to the Holders of the Notes a brief report dated as of such
reporting date that complies with TIA Section 313(a) (but if no event described
in TIA Section 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the
reporting date, no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also shall comply
with TIA Section 313(b)(2). The Trustee shall also transmit by mail all reports
as required by TIA Section 313(c).

         A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the Holders of
Notes shall be mailed to the Company and filed with the Commission and each
stock exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed in accordance with TIA
Section 313(d). The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee when the Notes are
listed on any stock exchange or delisted therefrom.

         SECTION 7.7       COMPENSATION AND INDEMNITY.

         The Company shall pay to the Trustee, from time to time as may be
agreed upon between them, reasonable compensation for its acceptance of this
Indenture and services hereunder. The Trustee's compensation shall not be
limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company
shall reimburse the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable
disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it in addition to the
compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include the reasonable
compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee's agents and counsel.

         The Company shall indemnify each of the Trustee and any predecessor
Trustee against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses
(including taxes other than taxes based on the income of the Trustee) incurred
by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of
its duties under this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of enforcing
this Indenture against the Company (including this Section 7.7) and defending
itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Company or any Holder or any
other person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any
of its powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent any such loss,
liability, claim, damage or expense is determined to have been caused by its own
negligence or willful misconduct. The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly
of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Trustee to so
notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder.
The Company shall defend the claim and the Trustee shall cooperate in the
defense. The Trustee may have separate counsel

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and the Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. The
Company need not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld.

         The obligations of the Company under this Section 7.7 shall survive the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

         To secure the Company's payment obligations in this Section, the
Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or
collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal and
interest on particular Notes. Such Lien shall survive the satisfaction and
discharge of this Indenture.

         When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of
Default specified in Section 6.1(g) or (h) hereof occurs, the expenses and the
compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and
counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any
Bankruptcy Law.

         The Trustee shall comply with the provisions of TIA Section 313(b)(2)
to the extent applicable.

         SECTION 7.8       REPLACEMENT OF TRUSTEE.

         A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor
Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee's acceptance of
appointment as provided in this Section 7.8.

         The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged from
the trust hereby created by so notifying the Company. The Holders of Notes of a
majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may remove the
Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company in writing. The Company may
remove the Trustee if:

         (a)      the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof,

         (b)      the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an order
for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law;

         (c)      a Custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or
its property; or

         (d)      the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

         If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the
office of Trustee for any reason, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor
Trustee. Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders
of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may appoint a
successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Company.

         If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the
retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company, or
the Holders of Notes of at least 10%

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in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may at the expense of the
Company petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor Trustee.

         If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder of a Note who has
been a Holder of a Note for at least six months, fails to comply with Section
7.10, such Holder of a Note may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for
the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

         A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its
appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Thereupon, the
resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the
successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee
under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its
succession to Holders of the Notes. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer
all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee; provided, that all
sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to the Lien
provided for in Section 7.7 hereof. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee
pursuant to this Section 7.8, the Company's obligations under Section 7.7 hereof
shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

         SECTION 7.9       SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE BY MERGER, ETC.

         If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all
or substantially all of its corporate trust business (including the trust
created by this Indenture) to, another corporation, the successor corporation
without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.

         SECTION 7.10      ELIGIBILITY; DISQUALIFICATION.

         There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation
organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or
of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate
trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state
authorities and that has, or is a wholly owned subsidiary of a bank holding
company that has, a combined capital and surplus of at least $500.0 million as
set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition. This
Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA
Section 310(a)(1), (2) and (5). The Trustee is subject to TIA Section 310(b).

         SECTION 7.11      PREFERENTIAL COLLECTION OF CLAIMS AGAINST THE
COMPANY.

         The Trustee is subject to TIA Section 311(a), excluding any creditor
relationship listed in TIA Section 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been
removed shall be subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.

         SECTION 7.12      RIGHTS OF HOLDERS WITH RESPECT TO TIME, METHOD AND
PLACE.

         Subject to the limitations of this Article 7, a majority in principal
amount of the outstanding Notes issued hereunder shall have the right to direct
the time, method and place of

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conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee,
subject to certain exceptions.

         SECTION 7.13      TRUSTEE'S APPLICATION FOR INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE
COMPANY.

         Any application by the Trustee for written instructions from the
Company may, at the option of the Trustee, set forth in writing any action
proposed to be taken or omitted by the Trustee under this Indenture and the date
on and/or after which such action shall be taken or such omission shall be
effective. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken by, or omission
of, the Trustee in accordance with a proposal included in such application on or
after the date specified in such application (which date shall not be less than
three Business Days after the date any officer of the Company actually receives
such application, unless any such officer shall have consented in writing to any
earlier date) unless prior to taking any such action (or the effective date in
the case of an omission), the Trustee shall have received written instructions
in response to such application specifying the action to be taken or omitted.

                                   ARTICLE 8
                       DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

         SECTION 8.1       OPTION TO EFFECT DEFEASANCE OR COVENANT DEFEASANCE.

         The Company may, at its option by Board Resolution, at any time, with
respect to the Notes, elect to have either Section 8.2 or Section 8.3 be applied
to all Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees then outstanding upon compliance with the
conditions set forth below in this Article Eight.

         SECTION 8.2       DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE.

         Upon the Company's exercise under Section 8.1 of the option applicable
to this Section 8.2, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, shall be
deemed to have been discharged from their respective obligations with respect to
all Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees then outstanding on the date the conditions
set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, "DEFEASANCE"). For this purpose,
such defeasance means that the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantor shall be
deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the
Notes and any Subsidiary Guarantees outstanding, which shall thereafter be
deemed to be "outstanding" only for the purposes of Section 8.5 and the other
Sections of this Indenture referred to in (A) and (B) below, and to have
satisfied all its other obligations under such Notes, Subsidiary Guarantees and
this Indenture (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Company,
shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the
following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged
hereunder: (A) the rights of Holders of Notes then outstanding to receive solely
from the trust fund described in Section 8.4 and as more fully set forth in such
Section, payments in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any) and
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on such Notes when such payments are
due from the trust fund described in Section 8.4, (B) the Company's obligations
with respect to such Notes under Sections 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.10, 4.2 and
4.3, (C) the rights,

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powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the Company's
obligations in connection therewith and (D) this Article Eight. Subject to
compliance with this Article Eight, the Company may exercise its option under
this Section 8.2 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section
8.3 with respect to the Notes.

         SECTION 8.3       COVENANT DEFEASANCE.

         Upon the Company's exercise under Section 8.1 of the option applicable
to this Section 8.3, the Company and each Subsidiary Guarantor shall be released
from its obligations under the covenants contained in Sections 4.4, 4.7, 4.9,
4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.15, 4.16 and 4.17, the Events of Default
described under clauses (e) and (f) of Section 6.1, the Events of Default
described under clauses (g) and (h) of Section 6.1 (but only with respect to
Significant Subsidiaries and Restricted Subsidiaries), and the limitation
imposed by clause (a)(iv) of Section 5.1, and such provisions shall terminate,
with respect to the outstanding Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees, if any, on and
after the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (such release and
termination being referred to as "COVENANT DEFEASANCE"), and the Notes and the
Subsidiary Guarantees, if any, shall thereafter be deemed to be not
"outstanding" for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration
or Act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such
covenants, but shall continue to be deemed "outstanding" for all other purposes
hereunder (it being understood that such Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees, if
any, shall not be deemed outstanding for financial accounting purposes). For
this purpose, such covenant defeasance means that, with respect to the
outstanding Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees, if any, the Company and any
Subsidiary Guarantor may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in
respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant,
whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to
any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any
other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply
shall not constitute a default or an Event of Default under Sections 6.1(c) and
6.1(d), but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such
Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees, if any, shall be unaffected thereby. In
addition, upon the Company's exercise under Section 8.1 of the option applicable
to Section 8.3, Sections 6.1(c) through 6.1(f) and Section 6.1(i) shall not
constitute Events of Default.

         SECTION 8.4       CONDITIONS TO DEFEASANCE OR COVENANT DEFEASANCE.

         The following shall be the conditions to application of either Section
8.2 or Section 8.3 to the outstanding Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees:

         (a)      the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in
trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. dollars,
non-callable Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as
will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of
independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, due on the outstanding Notes on the
Stated Maturity thereof or on the applicable Redemption Date, as the case may
be, and the Company must specify whether the Notes are being defeased to
maturity or to a particular redemption date;

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         (b)      in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Company shall have
delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably
acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, (A) the Company has received from, or
there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling
or (B) since the Issue Date, there has been a change in the applicable U.S.
federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon
such opinion of counsel in the United States shall confirm that, the Holders of
the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal
income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to
U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same
times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

         (c)      in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Company shall have
delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably
acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, the Holders of the outstanding Notes
will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as
a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income
tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have
been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

         (d)      no Default or Event of Default (other than a Default or Event
of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit)
shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or, insofar as
Events of Default set forth in Section 6.1(g) and (h), at any time in the period
ending on the 91st day after the date of such deposit;

         (e)      such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result
in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material
agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, if any, is bound;

         (f)      the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent
of preferring the Holders of the Notes over the other creditors of the Company
with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the
Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor, if any, or others; and

         (g)      the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an opinion of counsel in the United States (which opinion of
counsel may be subject to customary assumptions, qualifications and exclusions),
each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in, in the case of the
Officers' Certificate, clauses (a) through (g) of this Section 8.4, and in the
case of the opinion of counsel, in clauses (b), (c) and (e) of this Section 8.4,
have been complied with.

         SECTION 8.5       DEPOSITED MONEY AND U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS TO BE
HELD IN TRUST; OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

         Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 4.3, all
money and non-callable Government Securities (including the proceeds thereof)
deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for
purposes of this Section 8.5, the "TRUSTEE") pursuant to Section 8.4 in respect
of the Notes then outstanding shall be held in trust and applied by the

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Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to
the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company
acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of
such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal
(and premium, if any) and interest, but such money need not be segregated from
other funds except to the extent required by law.

         The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or
other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or non-callable Government
Securities deposited pursuant to Section 8.4 or the principal and interest
received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which
by law is for the account of the Holders of the Notes then outstanding.

         Anything in this Article Eight to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company
Request any money or non-callable Government Securities held by it as provided
in Section 8.4 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of
independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof
delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section
8.4(i)), are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be
deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

         SECTION 8.6       REINSTATEMENT.

         If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any United States
dollars or non-callable Government Securities in accordance with Section 8.2 or
8.3, as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or
governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such
application, then the Company's and any Subsidiary Guarantor's obligations under
this Indenture, the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees, if any, shall be
revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.2
or 8.3, as the case may be, until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is
permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.2 or 8.3, as the
case may be; provided, however, that if the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor
makes any payment of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Note
following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company or any Subsidiary
Guarantor shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to
receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

                                   ARTICLE 9
                        AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

         SECTION 9.1       WITHOUT CONSENT OF HOLDERS OF NOTES.

         Notwithstanding Section 9.2 of this Indenture, the Company, the
Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, and the Trustee may amend this Indenture without
the consent of any Holder of a Note:

         (a)      to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency;

         (b)      to provide for the assumption by a successor corporation of
the obligations of the Company under this Indenture, or for the assumption by a
successor Person of the obligations of any Subsidiary Guarantor under this
Indenture;

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         (c)      to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place
of certificated Notes (provided, that the uncertificated Notes are issued in
registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code, or in a manner such
that the uncertificated Notes are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the
Code);

         (d)      to add guarantees with respect to the Notes, including any
Subsidiary Guarantees, or to secure the Notes or any guarantees;

         (e)      to effect the release of a Subsidiary Guarantor from its
Subsidiary Guarantee and the termination of such Subsidiary Guarantee, all in
accordance with the provisions of this Indenture governing such release and
termination;

         (f)      to add to the covenants of the Company or a Subsidiary
Guarantor for the benefit of the holders of the Notes or to surrender any right
or power conferred upon the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor;

         (g)      to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights
of any Holder of the Notes;

         (h)      to comply with any requirement of the Commission in connection
with the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or

         (i)      to provide for the succession of a successor Trustee.

         Upon the written request of the Company accompanied by resolutions of
the Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or
supplemental Indenture, and upon receipt by the Trustee of an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, the Trustee shall join with the Company
and the Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, in the execution of any amended or
supplemental Indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture
and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be
therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into such
amended or supplemental Indenture that affects its own rights, duties or
immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

         SECTION 9.2       WITH CONSENT OF HOLDERS OF NOTES.

         Except as provided below in this Section 9.2, this Indenture, the Notes
and a Subsidiary Guarantee, if any, issued hereunder may be amended or
supplemented with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount
of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a
tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes), and, subject to Sections 6.2, 6.4
and 6.7 hereof, any existing default or compliance with any provision of this
Indenture, the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees, if any, may be waived with
the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer
or exchange offer for the Notes).

         Upon the request of the Company accompanied by resolutions of the Board
of Directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental
Indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence satisfactory to the
Trustee of the consent of the Holders of Notes as aforesaid, and upon receipt by
the Trustee of an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel,

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the Trustee shall join with the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, if any,
in the execution of such amended or supplemental Indenture unless such amended
or supplemental Indenture affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities
under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its
discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such amended or
supplemental Indenture.

         The consent of the Holders is not necessary under this Section 9.2 to
approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if such
consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment.

         After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.2 becomes
effective, the Company shall mail to the Holders of Notes affected thereby a
notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure of
the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in
any way impair or affect the validity of any such amended or supplemental
Indenture or waiver. Subject to Sections 6.4 and 6.7 hereof, the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may waive
compliance in a particular instance by the Company with any provision of this
Indenture, the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees, if any. However, without the
consent of each Holder affected, an amendment or waiver may not (with respect to
any Notes or Subsidiary Guarantee held by a non-consenting Holder):

                  (i)      reduce the principal amount of the Notes whose
Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

                  (ii)     reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity
of any Note;

                  (iii)    reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of
interest on any Note;

                  (iv)     waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of
principal of, premium, if any, or interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on the
Notes, except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes from a non- payment
default by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes
and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration;

                  (v)      make any Note payable in money other than that stated
in the Notes;

                  (vi)     make any change in Section 6.4 or 6.7;

                  (vii)    reduce the amount payable upon the redemption of any
Note or change the time at which any Note may be redeemed under Section 3.8;
provided, however, that solely for the avoidance of doubt and without any other
implication, redemption shall not be deemed to include any purchase or
repurchase of Notes; or

                  (viii)   make any change in the amendment provisions that
require each holder's consent or in the waiver provisions of this Article 9.

         In addition, any amendment to the provisions of this Indenture which
relate to subordination will require the consent of the Holders of at least
66 2/3% in principal amount of

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Notes then outstanding, if such amendment would adversely affect the rights of
Holders of such Notes; provided, however, that no amendment may be made to the
subordination provisions of this Indenture that adversely affects the rights of
any holder of Senior Debt then outstanding, unless the holders of such Senior
Debt, or any group or representative thereof authorized to give a consent,
consent to such change.

         SECTION 9.3       COMPLIANCE WITH TIA.

         Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes shall be
set forth in an amended or supplemental Indenture that complies with the TIA as
then in effect.

         SECTION 9.4       REVOCATION AND EFFECT OF CONSENTS.

         Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent
to it by a Holder of a Note is a continuing consent by the Holder of a Note and
every subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that evidences the same
debt as the consenting Holder's Note, even if notation of the consent is not
made on any Note. However, any such Holder of a Note or subsequent Holder of a
Note may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee receives written
notice of revocation before the date the waiver, supplement or amendment becomes
effective. An amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance
with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder.

         SECTION 9.5       NOTATION ON OR EXCHANGE OF NOTES.

         The Trustee may, but shall not be required to, place an appropriate
notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any Note thereafter
authenticated. The Company in exchange for all Notes may issue and the Trustee
shall authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver.

         Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note shall not
affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.

         SECTION 9.6       TRUSTEE TO SIGN AMENDMENTS, ETC.

         The Trustee shall sign any amended or supplemental indenture authorized
pursuant to this Article Nine if the amendment or supplement does not adversely
affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. The Company
may not sign an amendment or supplemental Indenture until the Board of Directors
approves it. In signing or refusing to sign any amended or supplemental
indenture the Trustee shall be provided with and (subject to Section 7.1) shall
be fully protected in relying upon an Officer's Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture is
authorized or permitted by this Indenture, that it is not inconsistent herewith,
and that it will be valid and binding upon the Company and the Subsidiary
Guarantors, if any, in accordance with its terms.

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                                   ARTICLE 10
                                  SUBORDINATION

         SECTION 10.1      AGREEMENT TO SUBORDINATE.

         The Company agrees, and each Holder by accepting a Note agrees, that
the payment of the Subordinated Note Obligations shall be subordinated in right
of payment, as set forth in this Article 10, to the prior payment in full in
cash of all Senior Debt, whether outstanding on the date hereof or hereafter
incurred.

         SECTION 10.2      LIQUIDATION; DISSOLUTION; BANKRUPTCY.

         Upon any payment or distribution of property or securities to creditors
of the Company in a liquidation or dissolution of the Company or in a
bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding
relating to the Company or its property, or in an assignment for the benefit of
creditors or any marshalling of the Company's assets and liabilities, the
holders of Senior Debt shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all
Obligations due in respect of such Senior Debt (including interest after the
commencement of any such proceeding at the rate specified in the applicable
Senior Debt, whether or not a claim for such interest would be allowed in a
proceeding) before the Holders of the Notes will be entitled to receive any
payment with respect to the Notes, and until all Obligations with respect to
Senior Debt are paid in full, any distribution to which the Holders of the Notes
would be entitled shall be made to the holders of Senior Debt (except that
Holders of the Notes may receive payments made from the trust described in
Article 8 hereof).

         SECTION 10.3      DEFAULT ON DESIGNATED SENIOR DEBT.

         The Company also may not make any payment (whether by redemption,
purchase, retirement, defeasance or otherwise) upon or in respect of the Notes
(except from the trust described in Article 8 hereof) if (i) a default in the
payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on Designated Senior
Debt occurs ("payment default") or (ii) any other default occurs and is
continuing with respect to Designated Senior Debt that permits, or with the
giving of notice or passage of time or both (unless cured or waived) will
permit, holders of the Designated Senior Debt as to which such default relates
to accelerate its maturity ("NON-PAYMENT DEFAULT") and (solely with respect to
this clause (ii) ) the Trustee receives a notice of such default (a "PAYMENT
BLOCKAGE NOTICE") from the Company or the holders of any Designated Senior Debt.
Cash payments on the Notes shall be resumed (a) in the case of a payment
default, upon the date on which such default is cured or waived and (b) in case
of a nonpayment default, the earlier of the date on which such nonpayment
default is cured or waived or 179 days after the date on which the applicable
Payment Blockage Notice is received, unless the maturity of any Designated
Senior Debt has been accelerated or a default of the type described in
paragraphs (g) or (h) of Section 6.1 hereof has occurred and is continuing. No
new period of payment blockage may be commenced unless and until 360 days have
elapsed since the date of commencement of the payment blockage period resulting
from the immediately prior Payment Blockage Notice. No nonpayment default in
respect of Designated Senior Debt that existed or was continuing on the date of
delivery of any Payment Blockage Notice to the Trustee shall be,

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or be made, the basis for a subsequent Payment Blockage Notice unless such
default shall have been cured or waived for a period of no less than 90 days.

         SECTION 10.4      ACCELERATION OF SECURITIES.

         If the Company fails to make any payment on the Notes when due or
within any applicable grace period, whether or not on account of the payment
blockage provision referred to above, such failure shall constitute an Event of
Default and shall entitle the holders of the Notes to accelerate the maturity
thereof. The Company shall promptly notify holders of Senior Debt if payment of
the Notes is accelerated because of an Event of Default.

         SECTION 10.5      WHEN DISTRIBUTION MUST BE PAID OVER.

         In the event that the Trustee or any Holder receives any payment of any
Subordinated Note Obligations at a time when the Trustee or such Holder, as
applicable, has actual knowledge that such payment is prohibited by Section 10.2
or 10.3 hereof, such payment shall be held by the Trustee or such Holder, in
trust for the benefit of, and shall be paid forthwith over and delivered, upon
written request, to, the holders of Senior Debt as their interests may appear or
their representative under the indenture or other agreement (if any) pursuant to
which such Senior Debt may have been issued, as their respective interests may
appear, for application to the payment of all Obligations with respect to such
Senior Debt remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay such Obligations in
full in accordance with their terms, after giving effect to any concurrent
payment or distribution to or for the holders of Senior Debt.

         In the event that any Holder receives any payment of any Subordinated
Note Obligations at any time when such payment is prohibited by Section 10.2 or
10.3 hereof, such payment shall be held by such Holder, in trust for the benefit
of, and shall be paid forthwith over and delivered, upon written request to, the
holders of Senior Debt as their interest may appear or their representative
under the indenture or other agreement (if any) pursuant to which such Senior
Debt may have been issued, as their interest may appear, for the application to
the payment of all Obligations with respect to such Senior Debt remaining unpaid
to the extent necessary to pay such Obligations in full in accordance with their
terms, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for
the holders of Senior Debt.

         With respect to the holders of Senior Debt, the Trustee undertakes to
perform only such obligations on the part of the Trustee as are specifically set
forth in this Article 10, and no implied covenants or obligations with respect
to the holders of Senior Debt shall be read into this Indenture against the
Trustee. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the
holders of Senior Debt, and shall not be liable to any such holders if the
Trustee shall pay over or distribute to or on behalf of Holders or the Company
or any other Person money or assets to which any holders of Senior Debt shall be
entitled by virtue of this Article 10, except if such payment is made as a
result of the willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Trustee.

         SECTION 10.6      NOTICE BY COMPANY.

         The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee and the Paying Agent of
any facts known to the Company that would cause a payment of any Subordinated
Note Obligations to violate this

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Article 10, but failure to give such notice shall not affect the subordination
of the Notes to the Senior Debt as provided in this Article 10.

         SECTION 10.7      SUBROGATION.

         After all Senior Debt is paid in full and until the Notes are paid in
full in cash, Holders of Notes shall be subrogated (equally and ratably with all
other Indebtedness pari passu with the Notes) to the rights of holders of Senior
Debt to receive distributions applicable to Senior Debt to the extent that
distributions otherwise payable to the Holders of Notes have been applied to the
payment of Senior Debt. A distribution made under this Article 10 to holders of
Senior Debt that otherwise would have been made to Holders of Notes is not, as
between the Company and Holders, a payment by the Company on the Senior Debt.

         SECTION 10.8      RELATIVE RIGHTS.

         This Article 10 defines the relative rights of Holders of Notes and
holders of Senior Debt. Nothing in this Indenture shall:

         (a)      impair, as between the Company and Holders of Notes, the
obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay principal
of, premium, if any, and interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes
in accordance with their terms;

         (b)      affect the relative rights of Holders of Notes and creditors
of the Company other than their rights in relation to holders of Senior Debt; or

         (c)      prevent the Trustee or any Holder of Notes from exercising its
available remedies upon a Default or Event of Default, subject to the rights of
holders and owners of Senior Debt to receive distributions and payments
otherwise payable to Holders of Notes.

         If the Company fails because of this Article 10 to pay principal of,
premium, if any, or interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on a Note on the due
date, the failure is nevertheless a Default or an Event of Default.

         SECTION 10.9      SUBORDINATION MAY NOT BE IMPAIRED BY COMPANY.

         No right of any holder of Senior Debt to enforce the subordination of
the Indebtedness evidenced by the Notes shall be impaired by any act or failure
to act by the Company or any Holder or by the failure of the Company or any
Holder to comply with this Indenture.

         SECTION 10.10     DISTRIBUTION OR NOTICE TO REPRESENTATIVE.

         Whenever a distribution is to be made or a notice given to holders of
Senior Debt, the distribution may be made and the notice given to their
representative.

         Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to
in this Article 10, the Trustee and the Holders of Notes shall be entitled to
rely upon any order or decree made by any court of competent jurisdiction or
upon any certificate of such representative or of the

                                       91

<PAGE>

liquidating trustee or agent or other Person making any distribution to the
Trustee or to the Holders of Notes for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons
entitled to participate in such distribution, the holders of the Senior Debt and
other Indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the
amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent
thereto or to this Article 10.

         SECTION 10.11     RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE AND PAYING AGENT.

         Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article 10 or any other
provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of
the existence of any facts that would prohibit the making of any payment or
distribution by the Trustee, and the Trustee and the Paying Agent may continue
to make payments on the Notes, unless the Trustee shall have received at its
Corporate Trust Office at least five Business Days prior to the date of such
payment written notice of facts that would cause the payment of any Subordinated
Note Obligations to violate this Article 10. Only the Company or a
representative may give the notice. Nothing in this Article 10 shall impair the
claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.7 hereof.

         The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may hold Senior
Debt with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee. Any Agent
may do the same with like rights.

         SECTION 10.12     AUTHORIZATION TO EFFECT SUBORDINATION.

         Each Holder of Notes, by the Holder's acceptance thereof, authorizes
and directs the Trustee on such Holder's behalf to take such action as may be
necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination as provided in this
Article 10, and appoints the Trustee to act as such Holder's attorney-in-fact
for any and all such purposes. If the Trustee does not file a proper proof of
claim or proof of debt in the form required in any proceeding referred to in
Section 6.9 hereof at least 30 days before the expiration of the time to file
such claim, a representative of Designated Senior Debt is hereby authorized to
file an appropriate claim for and on behalf of the Holders of the Notes.

                                   ARTICLE 11
                           SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

         SECTION 11.1      SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE.

         This Indenture shall be discharged and will cease to be of further
effect (except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of
Notes) as to all Notes issued hereunder, when either:

         (a)      all such Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (except
lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid and Notes for
whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and
held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged
from such trust, as provided in Section 4.3 hereof) have been delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation; or

                                       92

<PAGE>

         (b)      (i)      the Company shall have given irrevocable and
unconditional notice of redemption for all of the outstanding Notes within 60
days of such notice pursuant to the redemption provisions of this Indenture or
all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation otherwise
have become due and payable, and the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused
to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in the trust for such purpose an
amount of money sufficient to pay and discharge the entire Obligations in
respect of such Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation
to the date of maturity or redemption;

                  (ii)     no Default or Event of Default with respect to this
Indenture or the Notes shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such
deposit or shall occur as a result of such deposit and such deposit will not
result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other
instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound;

                  (iii)    the Company has paid or caused to be paid all sums
payable by it under this Indenture;

                  (iv)     the Company has delivered irrevocable instructions to
the Trustee under this Indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment
of such Notes at maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be; and

                  (v)      the Holders have a valid, perfected, exclusive
security interest in such trust.

         In addition, the Company must deliver an Officers' Certificate and an
opinion of counsel to the Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to
satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.

         SECTION 11.2      APPLICATION OF TRUST MONEY.

         Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 4.3, all
money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 11.1 shall be held in trust
and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Notes and this
Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent
(including the Company acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to
Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if any) and interest
and Liquidated Damages for whose payment such money has been deposited with the
Trustee.

         If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or
Government Securities in accordance with Section 11.1 by reason of any legal
proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental
authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the
Company's obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and
reinstated as though such deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 11.1;
provided, that if the Company has made any payment of principal of, premium, if
any, or interest on any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations,
the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to
receive such payment from the money or Government Securities held by the Trustee
or Paying Agent.

                                       93

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE 12
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         SECTION 12.1      CONFLICT OF ANY PROVISION OF INDENTURE WITH TIA.

         If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies, or conflicts with
the duties imposed by TIA Section 318(c), the imposed duties shall control.

         SECTION 12.2      NOTICES.

         Any notice or communication by the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or
the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in Person or
mailed by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested),
telecopier or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the
others' address:

         If to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor:

                  The Houston Exploration Company
                  1100 Louisiana, Suite 2000
                  Houston, Texas 77002
                  Attention: Chief Financial Officer
                  Facsimile: (713) 830-6885

         With a copy to:

                  Andrews & Kurth L.L.P.
                  600 Travis, Suite 4200
                  Houston, Texas 77002
                  Attention: G.  Michael O'Leary, Jr., Esq.
                  Facsimile: (713) 220-4285

         If to the Trustee:

                  The Bank of New York
                  101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West
                  New York, New York 10286
                  Attention: Remo Reale
                  Facsimile: (212) 815-5707

         The Company or the Trustee, by notice to the others may designate
additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

         All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) shall
be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally
delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage
prepaid, if mailed; when answered back, if telecopied; and the next Business Day
after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier
guaranteeing next day delivery.

                                       94

<PAGE>

         Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first class
mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air
courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the register kept
by the Registrar. Any notice or communication shall also be so mailed to any
Person described in TIA Section 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA.
Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall
not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

         If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above
within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee
receives it.

         If the Company mails a notice or communication to Holders, it shall
mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

         SECTION 12.3      COMMUNICATION BY HOLDERS OF NOTES WITH OTHER HOLDERS
OF NOTES.

         Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA Section 312(b) with other
Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The
Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection
of TIA Section 312(c).

         SECTION 12.4      CERTIFICATE AND OPINION AS TO CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.

         Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take
any action under this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:

         (a)      an Officers' Certificate in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in
Section 1.5 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions
precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the
proposed action have been satisfied; and

         (b)      an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in
Section 1.5 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such
conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied.

         SECTION 12.5      LEGAL HOLIDAYS.

         In any case where any Interest Payment Date, any date established for
payment of Defaulted Interest pursuant to Section 2.12, or any Maturity with
respect to any Note shall not be a Business Day, then (notwithstanding any other
provisions of this Indenture, the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee) payment of
interest (and Liquidated Damages, if any) or principal (and premium, if any)
need not be made on such date but may be made on the next succeeding Business
Day with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or
date established for payment of Defaulted Interest pursuant to Section 2.12 or
Maturity, and no interest shall accrue with respect to such payment for the
period from and after such Interest Payment Date or date established for payment
of Defaulted Interest pursuant to Section 2.12 or Maturity, as the case may be,
to the next succeeding Business Day.

                                       95

<PAGE>

         SECTION 12.6      NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS,
EMPLOYEES AND STOCKHOLDERS.

         No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the
Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor, if any, shall have any liability for any
obligations of the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, under the
Notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees, if any, or this Indenture or for any claim
based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation.
Each Holder of the Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such
liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of
the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the
federal securities laws and it is the view of the Commission that such a waiver
is against public policy.

         SECTION 12.7      GOVERNING LAW.

         THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES, IF ANY, SHALL
BE, GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK.

         SECTION 12.8      NO ADVERSE INTERPRETATION OF OTHER AGREEMENTS.

         This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan
or debt agreement of the Company or its Subsidiaries or of any other Person. Any
such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this
Indenture.

         SECTION 12.9      SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

         All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall
bind its respective successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not. All
covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Trustee shall bind its
respective successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

         SECTION 12.10     SEVERABILITY.

         In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes shall be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of
the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

         SECTION 12.11     COUNTERPART ORIGINALS.

         The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each
signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same
agreement.

         SECTION 12.12     TABLE OF CONTENTS, HEADINGS, ETC.

         The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and Headings of the
Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of
reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and shall in
no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

                                       96

<PAGE>
                         [Signatures on following page]

                                       97

<PAGE>
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be
duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

                                          THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY

                                          By: /s/      W.G. Hargett
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                       William G. Hargett
                                                   President and Chief Executive

                                          By: /s/      John H. Karnes
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                       John H. Karnes
                                                   Senior Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer

                                          THE BANK OF NEW YORK

                                          By: /s/      Remo J. Reale
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                       Remo J. Reale
                                                       Vice President

                               SIGNATURE PAGE TO
                     7% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2013
                                   INDENTURE

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT A-1
                                 (Face of Note)
                      7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013

No.                                                    CUSIP No.: 442120 AD 3(1)
                                                                  U44247 AB 7(2)

                         THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY

promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns, the principal sum of
________ Dollars ($______ ) on June 15, 2013.

Interest Payment Dates:  June 15 and December 15.

Record Dates:  June 1 and December 1

                                THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY

                                By: ____________________________________________
                                Name: William G. Hargett
                                Title:  President and Chief Executive Officer

                                By: ____________________________________________
                                Name:  John H. Karnes
                                Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
                                       Officer

This is one of the 7% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2013
referred to in the within-
mentioned Indenture:

Dated:

The Bank of New York, as Trustee

By: ____________________________________
         Authorized Signature

---------------------------------------
(1) For Notes sold in reliance on Rule 144A

(2) For Notes sold in reliance on Regulation S

                                     A-1-1

<PAGE>
                                 (Back of Note)

                      7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013

         THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITORY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE
GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL
OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.6(h) OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE
EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.6(a) OF THE INDENTURE,
(III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT
TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO
A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITORY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMPANY.(1)

                  THIS NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A
         TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES
         ACT OF 1933 (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), AND THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE OFFERED,
         SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN
         APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE IS HEREBY
         NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS NOTE MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION
         FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE
         144A THEREUNDER.

                  THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER
         THAT (A) THIS NOTE MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE
         TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) TO THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY OR ITS
         SUBSIDIARY, (II) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER
         REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN
         RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE
         REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (III) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN
         OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES
         ACT, (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE
         SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE) OR (V)
         PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
         ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (V) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE
         SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER
         WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER
         OF THIS NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN (A)
         ABOVE.

---------------------------------------
(1) This paragraph should be included only if the Note is a Global Note.

                                     A-1-2

<PAGE>

         Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them
in the Indenture referred to below.

         1.       Interest. The Houston Exploration Company, a Delaware
corporation (the "COMPANY"), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of
this Note at 7% per annum from June 10, 2003 until June 15, 2013. The Company
shall pay interest semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each
year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business
Day (each an "INTEREST PAYMENT DATE"). Interest on the Notes will accrue from
the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been
paid, from the Issue Date; provided, that if there is no existing Default in the
payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date
referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date,
interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided,
further, that the first Interest Payment Date shall be December 15, 2003. The
Company shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding
under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to
time on demand at a rate equal to the per annum rate on the Notes then in
effect; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any
proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest
(without regard to any applicable grace periods), from time to time on demand at
the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest will be computed on the basis of a
360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

         2.       Registration Rights Agreement.

         (a)      The holder of this Note is entitled to the benefits of the
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 10, 2003 among the Company and
the Initial Purchasers (the "REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT").

         (b)      Except as expressly provided in this paragraph 2, Liquidated
Damages shall be paid to the Holders entitled thereto on Interest Payment Dates
in the manner set forth in paragraph 1 hereof.

         (c)      Notwithstanding the fact that this Note may cease to be a
Transfer Restricted Security (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement),
all obligations of the Company to pay Liquidated Damages with respect to this
Note shall survive until such time as such obligations with respect to this Note
shall have been satisfied in full.

         (d)      In the event that the Company is required to pay Liquidated
Damages pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company shall notify
the Trustee in writing at least 15 days prior to the first Interest Payment Date
upon which such Liquidated Damages is due; provided, that, in the event that the
obligation to pay such Liquidated Damages occurs less than 15 days prior to such
Interest Payment Date, such notice shall be provided by the Company to the
Trustee as soon as reasonably practicable prior to such Interest Payment Date.

         (e)      Each Holder of a Note, by its acceptance thereof, acknowledges
and agrees to the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement, including
without limitation the obligations of the Holders with respect to a registration
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the indemnification of the
Company to the extent provided in the Registration Rights Agreement.

                                     A-1-3

<PAGE>

         3.       Method Of Payment. The Company shall make payments in respect
of Global Notes (including principal, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts
specified by the Note Custodian or, at the option of the Company, payment of
interest may be made by check mailed to the Holders of the Notes at their
respective addresses set forth in the register of Holders of Notes.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, all payments with respect to the Notes (the
Holders of which have provided wire transfer instructions to the Company at
least ten business days prior to the applicable payment date), will be required
to be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts
specified by the Holders thereof. Such payment shall be made in such coin or
currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal
tender for the payment of public and private debts.

         4.       Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, The Bank of New York,
the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The
Notes may be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at the offices
of the Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without
notice to any Holder; provided, however, that the Company shall at all times
maintain an office or agency in The City of New York where the Notes may be
presented for payment. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any
such capacity.

         5.       Indenture. The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture
dated as of June 10, 2003("INDENTURE") between the Company and the Trustee. The
terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of
the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15
U.S. Code Sections 77aaa-77bbbb). The Notes are subject to all such terms, and
Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of such
terms.

         The Company shall be entitled, subject to its compliance with Section
4.12 of the Indenture, to issue Additional Notes pursuant to Section 2.14 of the
Indenture. The Notes issued on the Issue Date, any Additional Notes and all new
Notes issued in exchange for the Notes in connection with the Exchange Offer
will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture.

         6.       Optional Redemption. On and after June 15, 2008, the Company
may at its option redeem all or a portion of the Notes, upon not less than 30
nor more than 60 days' written notice, at the Redemption Prices (expressed as a
percentage of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid
interest thereon, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the applicable
redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on June 15
of each of the years indicated below:

                                     A-1-4

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Year                                  Redemption Price
                  ----                                  ----------------
                 <S>                                     <C>
                  2008..............................        103.500%
                  2009..............................        102.333%
                  2010..............................        101.167%
                  2011 and thereafter...............        100.000%
</TABLE>

         In addition, at any time, on or prior to June 15, 2006, the Company may
at its option on one or more occasions redeem for cash up to 35% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Notes (which includes Additional Notes, if
any) originally issued prior to the Redemption Date at a Redemption Price equal
to 107.000% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest and Liquidated Damages thereon, if any, to the Redemption Date, with
the net cash proceeds of an Equity Offering; provided, that at least 65% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Notes (which includes Additional Notes, if
any) originally issued prior to the Redemption Date remains outstanding
immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption, and each such
redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of closing of the related Equity
Offering.

         7.       Mandatory Redemption. The Company shall not be required to
make mandatory redemption payments with respect to the Notes.

         8.       Notice of Redemption. Notice of redemption will be mailed at
least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each
Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address. Notes may be
redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000. On and after the
Redemption Date interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called
for redemption.

         9.       Repurchase at Option of Holders.

         (a)      Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of
Notes shall have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part
(equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of such Holder's Notes
pursuant to the offer described below (the "CHANGE OF CONTROL OFFER") at an
offer price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus
accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the date
of purchase (the "CHANGE OF CONTROL PAYMENT"). Within 30 days following any
Change of Control, the Company shall mail a notice to each Holder describing the
transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering
to repurchase the Notes pursuant to the procedures required by the Indenture and
described in such notice. Holders of Notes that are subject to an offer to
purchase may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form entitled
"Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse side of this Note.

         (b)      On the 361st day after an Asset Sale, if the aggregate amount
of Excess Proceeds exceeds $15.0 million, the Company shall make an offer to all
Holders of Notes and, to the extent required by the terms thereof, to all
holders or lenders of Pari Passu Indebtedness (an "ASSET SALE OFFER") to
purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and any such Pari Passu
Indebtedness to which the asset sale offer applies that may be purchased out of
the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the
principal amount (or

                                     A-1-5

<PAGE>

accreted value in the case of Pari Passu Indebtedness issued with significant
original issue discount) thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and, with
respect to the Notes or similar securities, Liquidated Damages or comparable
amounts in the case of similar securities, if any, thereon to the date of
purchase, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 4.10 of the
Indenture or the agreements governing the Pari Passu Indebtedness, as
applicable. To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes and Pari Passu
Indebtedness so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to an Asset
Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Company may use any remaining
Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes. If the aggregate principal
amount of Notes surrendered by Holders thereof and other Pari Passu Indebtedness
surrendered by holders or lenders thereof, collectively, exceeds the amount of
Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness
to be purchased on a pro rata basis on the basis of the aggregate principal
amount of the tendered Notes and the aggregate principal amount (or accreted
value in the case of Pari Passu Indebtedness issued with significant original
issue discount) of Pari Passu Indebtedness. Upon completion of such Asset Sale
Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. Holders of Notes
that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale Offer
from the Company prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such
Notes purchased by completing the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect
Purchase" on the reverse side of this Note.

         10.      Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Notes are in registered
form without coupons in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples
of $1,000 in excess thereof. The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes
may be exchanged only as provided in Article 2 of the Indenture. The Registrar
and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate
endorsements and transfer documents (including legal opinions) and the Company
may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by
the Indenture. The Company need not exchange or register the transfer of any
Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed
portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, it need not exchange or
register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of
Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and the
corresponding Interest Payment Date.

         11.      Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of a Note may be
treated as its owner for all purposes.

         12.      Subordination. Each Holder by accepting a Note agrees that the
payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on each Note and any
other payment obligations of the Company in respect of the Notes (including any
obligation to repurchase the Notes) is subordinated in right of payment, as set
forth in Article 10 of the Indenture, to the prior payment in full in cash of
all Senior Debt (whether outstanding on the date of the Indenture or thereafter
incurred).

         13.      Amendment, Supplement And Waiver. Subject to certain
exceptions, the Indenture, the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee may be amended
or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection
with a tender offer or exchange offer for Notes), and, subject to the terms of
the Indenture and any applicable Subsidiary Guarantee, any existing default
(other than a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on, the Notes) or

                                     A-1-6

<PAGE>

compliance with any provision of the Indenture, the Notes or any Subsidiary
Guarantee may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in
connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for Notes). Without the consent
of any Holder of a Note, the Indenture, the Notes and any Subsidiary Guarantee
may be amended or supplemented to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or
inconsistency, to provide for the assumption by a successor corporation of the
obligations of the Company under this Indenture, or for the assumption by a
successor Person of the obligations of any Subsidiary Guarantor under the
Indenture, to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of
certificated Notes, to add guarantees with respect to the Notes, including any
Subsidiary Guarantees, or to secure the Notes or any guarantees, to effect the
release of a Subsidiary Guarantor from its Subsidiary Guarantee and the
termination of such Subsidiary Guarantee, to add to the covenants of the Company
or a Subsidiary Guarantor for the benefit of the holders of the Notes or to
surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company or a Subsidiary
Guarantor, to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any
Holder of the Notes, to comply with any requirement of the Commission in
connection with the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA, or to provide
for the succession of a successor Trustee.

         14.      Defaults and Remedies. Each of the following constitutes an
"EVENT OF DEFAULT": (a) default in payment when due of the principal of or
premium, if any, on the Notes; (b) default for 30 days in the payment when due
of interest on, or Liquidated Damages, if any, with respect to, the Notes; (c)
failure by the Company to comply with Section 5.1 of the Indenture or to
consummate a purchase of Notes when required pursuant to the provisions of
Section 4.9 or Section 4.10 of the Indenture; (d) failure by the Company or a
Subsidiary Guarantor, if any, for 60 days after notice from the Trustee or the
Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes to
comply with any of its other agreements in the Indenture or the Notes; (e)
default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be
issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money
borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of
which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) other
than Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, whether such
Indebtedness or guarantee now exists, or is created after the Issue Date, which
default (x) is caused by a failure to pay principal of or premium, if any, or
interest on such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the grace period
provided in such Indebtedness on the date of such default unless being contested
in good faith by appropriate proceedings (a "PAYMENT DEFAULT") or (y) results in
the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity and, in each
case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal
amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment
Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $20.0
million or more; (f) any final judgment or decree (to the extent not covered by
insurance) for the payment of money in excess of $20.0 million is entered
against the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, which is not paid or
discharged, and there shall be any period of 60 consecutive days following entry
of such final judgment or decree during which a stay of enforcement of such
final judgment or decree, by reason of pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be
in effect; (g) the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries, or group of
Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as of the latest audited
consolidated financial statements for the Company and its Subsidiaries), would
constitute a Significant Subsidiary (such group herein referred to as a
"SIGNIFICANT GROUP OF SUBSIDIARIES"): (i) commences a voluntary case, (ii)
consents to the entry

                                     A-1-7

<PAGE>

of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case in which it is the
debtor, (iii) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or
substantially all of its property, (iv) makes a general assignment for the
benefit of its creditors, or (v) admits in writing its inability generally to
pay its debts as the same become due; (h) a court of competent jurisdiction
enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that: (i) is for relief
against the Company, any of its Significant Subsidiaries, or a Significant Group
of Subsidiaries in an involuntary case in which it is the debtor, (ii) appoints
a Custodian of the Company, any of its Significant Subsidiaries, or a
Significant Group of Subsidiaries or for all or substantially all of the
property of the Company, a Significant Subsidiary or a Significant Group of
Subsidiaries; or (iii) orders the liquidation of the Company, any of its
Significant Subsidiaries, or a Significant Group of Subsidiaries; and the order
or decree contemplated in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of this clause (h), remains
unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; or (i) except as permitted in
the Indenture, any Subsidiary Guarantee shall be held in any judicial proceeding
to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any reason to be in full force
and effect or a Subsidiary, or any Person acting on behalf of such Subsidiary,
shall deny or disaffirm its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee.

         If an Event of Default (other than of a type specified in clause (g) or
(h) in the preceding paragraph) occurs and is continuing under the Indenture,
the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any
other monetary obligations (including Liquidated Damages) on all the then
outstanding Notes to be due and payable immediately by notice in writing to the
Company (and the Trustee, if given by the Holders); provided, that so long as
any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to the Credit Agreement shall
be outstanding, such acceleration of the Notes shall not be effective until the
earlier of (a) an acceleration of any such Indebtedness under the Credit
Agreement or (b) five business days after receipt by the Company of written
notice of such acceleration of the Notes. Upon the effectiveness of such
declaration, such principal, premium, interest and other monetary obligations
will be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case
of an Event of Default arising under clause (g) or (h) of the preceding
paragraph, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable without further
action or notice. Holders of Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes
except as provided under the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations,
including the provision to the Trustee of an indemnity in accordance with
Section 7.7 of the Indenture, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or
power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of Notes notice of any continuing
Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to
the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest) if it determines that
withholding notice is in their interest.

         15.      Trustee Dealings With Company. The Trustee, in its individual
or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform
services for the Company, and may otherwise deal with the Company, as if it were
not the Trustee.

         16.      No Recourse Against Others. A director, officer, employee or
stockholder, as such, of the Company shall not have any liability for any
obligations of the Company under these Notes or the Indenture or for any claim
based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each
Holder by accepting any of these Notes waives and releases all such liability.

                                     A-1-8

<PAGE>

         17.      Authentication. This Note shall not be valid until
authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

         18.      Governing Law. THIS NOTE AND THE INDENTURE SHALL BE, GOVERNED
BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

         19.      Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name
of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TENANT (=
tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship
and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts
to Minors Act).

         20.      CUSIP Numbers. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the
Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company have caused
CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers
in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made
as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as
contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the
other identification numbers placed thereon.

         The Company shall furnish to any Holder upon written request and
without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement.
Requests may be made to:

The Houston Exploration Company
1100 Louisiana, Suite 2000
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Facsimile: (713) 830-6885

                                     A-1-9

<PAGE>

                                 ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below: (I) or (we) assign and transfer
this Note to
________________________________________________________________________________
                  (Insert assignee's soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)
________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
              (Print or type assignee's name, address and zip code)

and irrevocably appoint _______________________________________ to transfer this
Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for
him.

________________________________________________________________________________

Date: ____________________

                               Your Signature: _________________________________
                                                 (Sign exactly as your name
                                               appears on the face of this Note)

Signature Guarantee.

                                     A-1-10

<PAGE>

                       OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

         If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company
pursuant to Section 4.9 or 4.10 of the Indenture, check the box below:

         [  ] Section 4.9                                      [  ] Section 4.10

         If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the
Company pursuant to Section 4.9 or Section 4.10 of the Indenture, state the
amount you elect to have purchased:
$_______________

Date: _____________________

                                   Your Signature: _____________________________
                                                   (Sign exactly as your name
                                               appears on the face of this Note)

                                   Tax Identification No.: _____________________

Signature Guarantee.

                                     A-1-11

<PAGE>

            SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE(1)

         The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest
in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of
another Global Note or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have
been made:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Principal Amount of               Signature of
                          Amount of decrease            Amount of increase in        this Global Note           authorized signatory
Date of                  in Principal Amount             Principal Amount of         following such                 of Trustee or
Exchange                 of this Global Note              this Global Note        decrease (or increase)             Custodian
--------                 -------------------            ---------------------     ----------------------        --------------------
<S>                      <C>                            <C>                       <C>                           <C>
</TABLE>

---------------------------------------
(1) This should be included only if the Note is a Global Note.

                                     A-1-12

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT A-2
                           (Face of Unrestricted Note)
                      7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013

No.                                                                   CUSIP No.:

                         THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY

promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns, the principal sum of
_______ Dollars ($________) on June 15, 2013.

Interest Payment Dates:  June 15 and December 15.

Record Dates: June 1 and December 1

                                THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY

                                By: ____________________________________________
                                Name:  William G. Hargett
                                Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

                                By: ____________________________________________
                                Name:  John H. Karnes
                                Title: Senior Vice President and Chief
                                       Financial Officer

This is one of the 7% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2013
referred to in the within-
mentioned Indenture:

Dated:

The Bank of New York, as Trustee

By: ______________________________
         Authorized Signature

                                     A-2-1

<PAGE>

                           (Back of Unrestricted Note)

                      7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013

         THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITORY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE
GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL
OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.6(h) OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE
EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.6(a) OF THE INDENTURE,
(III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT
TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO
A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITORY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMPANY.(1)

         Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them
in the Indenture referred to below.

         1.       Interest. The Houston Exploration Company, a Delaware
corporation (the "COMPANY"), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of
this Note at 7% per annum from June 10, 2003 until June 15, 2013. The Company
shall pay interest semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each
year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business
Day (each an "INTEREST PAYMENT DATE"). Interest on the Notes will accrue from
the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been
paid, from the Issue Date; provided, that if there is no existing Default in the
payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date
referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date,
interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided,
further, that the first Interest Payment Date shall be December 15, 2003. The
Company shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding
under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to
time on demand at a rate equal to the per annum rate on the Notes then in
effect; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any
proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest
(without regard to any applicable grace periods), from time to time on demand at
the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest will be computed on the basis of a
360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

         2.       Method of Payment. The Company shall make payments in respect
of Global Notes (including principal, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts
specified by the Note Custodian or, at the option of the Company, payment of
interest may be made by check mailed to the Holders of the Notes at their
respective addresses set forth in the register of Holders of Notes.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, all payments with respect to the Notes (the
Holders of which have provided wire transfer instructions to the Company at
least ten business days prior to the applicable payment

---------------------------------------
(1) This paragraph should be included only if the Note is a Global Notes.

                                     A-2-2

<PAGE>

date), will be required to be made by wire transfer of immediately available
funds to the accounts specified by the Holders thereof. Such payment shall be
made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of
payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.

         3.       Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, The Bank of New York,
the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The
Notes may be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at the offices
of the Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without
notice to any Holder; provided, however, that the Company shall at all times
maintain an office or agency in The City of New York where the Notes may be
presented for payment. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any
such capacity.

         4.       Indenture. The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture
dated as of June 10, 2003 ("INDENTURE") between the Company and the Trustee. The
terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of
the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15
U.S. Code Sections 77aaa-77bbbb). The Notes are subject to all such terms, and
Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of such
terms.

         The Company shall be entitled, subject to its compliance with Section
4.12 of the Indenture, to issue Additional Notes pursuant to Section 2.14 of the
Indenture. The Notes issued on the Issue Date, any Additional Notes and all new
Notes issued in exchange for the Notes in connection with the Exchange Offer
will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture.

         5.       Optional Redemption.

         On and after June 15, 2008, the Company may at its option redeem all or
a portion of the Notes, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' written
notice, at the Redemption Prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount)
set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the
applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning
on June 15 of each of the years indicated below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  REDEMPTION YEAR                                    PRICE
                  <S>                                              <C>
                  2008.....................................         103.500%
                  2009.....................................         102.333%
                  2010.....................................         101.167%
                  2011 and thereafter......................         100.000%
</TABLE>

         In addition, at any time, on or prior to June 15, 2006, the Company may
at its option on one or more occasions redeem for cash up to 35% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Notes (which includes Additional Notes, if
any) originally issued prior to the Redemption Date at a Redemption Price equal
to 107.000% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest and Liquidated Damages thereon, if any, to the Redemption Date, with
the net cash proceeds of an Equity Offering; provided, that at least 65% of the
aggregate principal

                                     A-2-3

<PAGE>

amount of the Notes (which includes Additional Notes, if any) originally issued
prior to the Redemption Date remains outstanding immediately after the
occurrence of each such redemption, and each such redemption occurs within 180
days of the date of closing of the related Equity Offering.

         The Trustee shall select the Notes to be purchased in the manner
described in the Indenture.

         6.       Mandatory Redemption. The Company shall not be required to
make mandatory redemption payments with respect to the Notes.

         7.       Notice of Redemption. Notice of redemption will be mailed at
least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each
Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address. Notes may be
redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000. On and after the
Redemption Date interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called
for redemption.

         8.       Repurchase at Option of Holders.

         (a)      Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of
Notes shall have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part
(equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of such Holder's Notes
pursuant to the offer described below (the "CHANGE OF CONTROL OFFER") at an
offer price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus
accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the date
of purchase (the "CHANGE OF CONTROL PAYMENT"). Within 30 days following any
Change of Control, the Company shall mail a notice to each Holder describing the
transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering
to repurchase the Notes pursuant to the procedures required by the Indenture and
described in such notice. Holders of Notes that are subject to an offer to
purchase may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form entitled
"Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse side of this Note.

         (b)      On the 361st day after an Asset Sale, if the aggregate amount
of Excess Proceeds exceeds $15.0 million, the Company shall make an offer to all
Holders of Notes and, to the extent required by the terms thereof, to all
holders or lenders of Pari Passu Indebtedness (an "ASSET SALE OFFER") to
purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and any such Pari Passu
Indebtedness to which the asset sale offer applies that may be purchased out of
the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the
principal amount (or accreted value in the case of Pari Passu Indebtedness
issued with significant original issue discount) thereof plus accrued and unpaid
interest and, with respect to the Notes or similar securities, Liquidated
Damages or comparable amounts in the case of similar securities, if any, thereon
to the date of purchase, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this
4.10 of the Indenture or the agreements governing the Pari Passu Indebtedness,
as applicable. To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes and Pari Passu
Indebtedness so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to an Asset
Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Company may use any remaining
Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes. If the aggregate principal
amount of Notes surrendered by Holders thereof and other Pari Passu Indebtedness
surrendered by holders or lenders thereof, collectively, exceeds the amount of

                                     A-2-4

<PAGE>

Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness
to be purchased on a pro rata basis on the basis of the aggregate principal
amount of the tendered Notes and the aggregate principal amount (or accreted
value in the case of Pari Passu Indebtedness issued with significant original
issue discount) of Pari Passu Indebtedness. Upon completion of such Asset Sale
Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. Holders of Notes
that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale Offer
from the Company prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such
Notes purchased by completing the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect
Purchase" on the reverse side of this Note.

         9.       Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Notes are in registered
form without coupons in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples
of $1,000 in excess thereof. The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes
may be exchanged only as provided in Article 2 of the Indenture. The Registrar
and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate
endorsements and transfer documents (including legal opinions) and the Company
may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by
the Indenture. The Company need not exchange or register the transfer of any
Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed
portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, it need not exchange or
register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of
Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and the
corresponding Interest Payment Date.

         10.      Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of a Note may be
treated as its owner for all purposes.

         11.      Subordination. Each Holder by accepting a Note agrees that the
payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on each Note and any
other payment obligations of the Company in respect of the Notes (including any
obligation to repurchase the Notes) is subordinated in right of payment, as set
forth in Article 10 of the Indenture, to the prior payment in full in cash of
all Senior Debt (whether outstanding on the date of the Indenture or thereafter
created).

         12.      Amendment, Supplement and Waiver. Subject to certain
exceptions, the Indenture, the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee may be amended
or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection
with a tender offer or exchange offer for Notes), and, subject to the terms of
the Indenture and any applicable Subsidiary Guarantee, any existing default
(other than a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on, the Notes) or compliance with any provision of the Indenture, the
Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee may be waived with the consent of the Holders
of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including
consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for
Notes). Without the consent of any Holder of a Note, the Indenture, the Notes
and any Subsidiary Guarantee may be amended or supplemented to cure any
ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency, to provide for the assumption by a
successor corporation of the obligations of the Company under this Indenture, or
for the assumption by a successor Person of the obligations of any Subsidiary
Guarantor under the Indenture, to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition
to or in place of certificated Notes, to add guarantees with respect to the
Notes, including any Subsidiary Guarantees, or to secure the Notes or any
guarantees, to effect the release of a

                                     A-2-5

<PAGE>

Subsidiary Guarantor from its Subsidiary Guarantee and the termination of such
Subsidiary Guarantee, to add to the covenants of the Company or a Subsidiary
Guarantor for the benefit of the holders of the Notes or to surrender any right
or power conferred upon the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor, to make any
change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder of the Notes, to
comply with any requirement of the Commission in connection with the
qualification of this Indenture under the TIA, or to provide for the succession
of a successor Trustee.

         13.      Defaults and Remedies. Each of the following constitutes an
"EVENT OF DEFAULT": (a) default in payment when due of the principal of or
premium, if any, on the Notes; (b) default for 30 days in the payment when due
of interest on, or Liquidated Damages, if any, with respect to, the Notes; (c)
failure by the Company to comply with Section 5.1 of the Indenture or to
consummate a purchase of Notes when required pursuant to the provisions of
Section 4.9 or Section 4.10 of the Indenture; (d) failure by the Company or a
Subsidiary Guarantor, if any, for 60 days after notice from the Trustee or the
Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes to
comply with any of its other agreements in the Indenture or the Notes; (e)
default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be
issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money
borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of
which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) other
than Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, whether such
Indebtedness or guarantee now exists, or is created after the Issue Date, which
default (x) is caused by a failure to pay principal of or premium, if any, or
interest on such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the grace period
provided in such Indebtedness on the date of such default unless being contested
in good faith by appropriate proceedings (a "PAYMENT DEFAULT") or (y) results in
the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity and, in each
case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal
amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment
Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $20.0
million or more; (f) any final judgment or decree (to the extent not covered by
insurance) for the payment of money in excess of $20.0 million is entered
against the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, which is not paid or
discharged, and there shall be any period of 60 consecutive days following entry
of such final judgment or decree during which a stay of enforcement of such
final judgment or decree, by reason of pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be
in effect; (g) the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries, or group of
Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as of the latest audited
consolidated financial statements for the Company and its Subsidiaries), would
constitute a Significant Subsidiary (such group herein referred to as a
"SIGNIFICANT GROUP OF SUBSIDIARIES"): (i) commences a voluntary case, (ii)
consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case
in which it is the debtor, (iii) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of
it or for all or substantially all of its property, (iv) makes a general
assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or (v) admits in writing its
inability generally to pay its debts as the same become due; (h) a court of
competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(i) is for relief against the Company, any of its Significant Subsidiaries, or a
Significant Group of Subsidiaries in an involuntary case in which it is the
debtor, (ii) appoints a Custodian of the Company, any of its Significant
Subsidiaries, or a Significant Group of Subsidiaries or for all or substantially
all of the property of the Company, a Significant Subsidiary or a Significant
Group of Subsidiaries; or (iii) orders the liquidation of the Company, any of
its Significant Subsidiaries, or a Significant Group of Subsidiaries; and the

                                     A-2-6

<PAGE>

order or decree contemplated in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of this clause (h),
remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; or (i) except as
permitted in the Indenture, any Subsidiary Guarantee shall be held in any
judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any reason
to be in full force and effect or a Subsidiary, or any Person acting on behalf
of such Subsidiary, shall deny or disaffirm its obligations under its Subsidiary
Guarantee.

         If an Event of Default (other than of a type specified in clause (g) or
(h) in the preceding paragraph) occurs and is continuing under the Indenture,
the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any
other monetary obligations (including Liquidated Damages) on all the then
outstanding Notes to be due and payable immediately by notice in writing to the
Company (and the Trustee, if given by the Holders); provided, that so long as
any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to the Credit Agreement shall
be outstanding, such acceleration of the Notes shall not be effective until the
earlier of (a) an acceleration of any such Indebtedness under the Credit
Agreement or (b) five business days after receipt by the Company of written
notice of such acceleration of the Notes. Upon the effectiveness of such
declaration, such principal, premium, interest and other monetary obligations
will be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case
of an Event of Default arising under clause (g) or (h) of the preceding
paragraph, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable without further
action or notice. Holders of Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes
except as provided under the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations,
including the provision to the Trustee of an indemnity in accordance with
Section 7.7 of the Indenture, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or
power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of Notes notice of any continuing
Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to
the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest) if it determines that
withholding notice is in their interest.

         14.      Trustee Dealings with Company. The Trustee, in its individual
or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform
services for the Company, and may otherwise deal with the Company, as if it were
not the Trustee.

         15.      No Recourse Against Others. A director, officer, employee or
stockholder, as such, of the Company shall not have any liability for any
obligations of the Company under these Notes or the Indenture or for any claim
based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each
Holder by accepting any of these Notes waives and releases all such liability.

         16.      Authentication. This Note shall not be valid until
authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

         17.      Governing Law. THIS NOTE AND THE INDENTURE SHALL BE, GOVERNED
BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

         18.      Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name
of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TENANT (=
tenants by the entireties),

                                     A-2-7

<PAGE>

JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in
common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

         19.      CUSIP Numbers. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the
Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company have caused
CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers
in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made
as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as
contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the
other identification numbers placed thereon.

         The Company shall furnish to any Holder upon written request and
without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement.
Requests may be made to:

The Houston Exploration Company
1100 Louisiana, Suite 2000
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
Facsimile:  (713) 830-6885

                                     A-2-8

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT B
                         FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

The Houston Exploration Company
1100 Louisiana, Suite 2000
Houston, Texas 77002

The Bank of New York

         Re: 7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (CUSIP ____)

         Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of June 10, 2003
(the "INDENTURE"), between The Houston Exploration Company, as issuer (the
"COMPANY"), and The Bank of New York, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not
defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

         __________________________, (the "TRANSFEROR") owns and proposes to
transfer the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in
the principal amount of $________ in such Note[s] or interests (the "TRANSFER"),
to (the "TRANSFEREE"), as further specified in Annex A hereto. In connection
with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that:

                             [CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]

         1. [ ] CHECK IF TRANSFEREE WILL TAKE DELIVERY OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST
IN THE 144A GLOBAL NOTE OR A RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A.
The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A
under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SECURITIES
ACT"), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the
beneficial interest or Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a
Person that the Transferor reasonably believed and believes is purchasing the
beneficial interest or Restricted Definitive Note for its own account, or for
one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment
discretion, and such Person and each such account is a "qualified institutional
buyer" within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements
of Rule 144A and such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky
securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the
proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred
beneficial interest or Restricted Definitive Note will be subject to the
restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on
the 144A Global Note and/or the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture
and the Securities Act.

         2. [ ] CHECK IF TRANSFEREE WILL TAKE DELIVERY OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST
IN THE REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE OR A RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE PURSUANT TO
REGULATION S. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with
Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor
hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a person in
the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated, the
Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person
acting on its behalf reasonably believed and believes that the

                                      B-1

<PAGE>

Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the transaction was executed in,
on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and
neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the
transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed
selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule
903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) the
transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration
requirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the proposed transfer is being
made prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the transfer is not being
made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than
an Initial Purchaser). Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance
with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or
Restricted Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on Transfer
enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Regulation S Global
Note and/or the Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

         3. [ ] CHECK AND COMPLETE IF TRANSFEREE WILL TAKE DELIVERY OF A
RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE OR RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE PURSUANT TO ANY PROVISION
OF THE SECURITIES ACT OTHER THAN RULE 144A OR REGULATION S. The Transfer is
being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to
Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the
Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the
United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that
(check one):

                  (a) [  ] such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in
accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act;

                                       or

                  (b) [  ] such Transfer is being effected to the Company or a
Subsidiary thereof;

                                       or

                  (c) [  ] such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with
the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. Upon consummation of
the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the
transferred beneficial interest or Restricted Definitive Note will be subject to
the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed
on the Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

         4.  [ ]  CHECK IF TRANSFEREE WILL TAKE DELIVERY OF A BENEFICIAL
INTEREST IN AN UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE OR OF AN UNRESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE.

                  (a) [ ] CHECK IF TRANSFER IS PURSUANT TO RULE 144. (i) The
Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the
Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the
Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United
States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the
Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with
the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance
with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or
Unrestricted Definitive Note will no

                                      B-2

<PAGE>

longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private
Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted
Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

                  (b) [ ] CHECK IF TRANSFER IS PURSUANT TO REGULATION S. (i) The
Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule
904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions
contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any
state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in
the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to
maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed
Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred
beneficial interest or Unrestricted Definitive Note will no longer be subject to
the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed
on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the
Indenture.

                  (c) [ ] CHECK IF TRANSFER IS PURSUANT TO OTHER EXEMPTION. (i)
The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption
from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144,
Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained
in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the
United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture
and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain
compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer
in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial
interest or Unrestricted Definitive Note will not be subject to the restrictions
on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted
Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

         This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your
benefit and the benefit of the Company.

                                            ____________________________________
                                            [Insert Name of Transferor]

                                            By: ________________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:

Dated: ________________, _____

                                      B-3

<PAGE>

                       ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

1. The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:

                            [CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]

                  (a) [ ] beneficial interest in the:

                          (i) [ ] 144A Global Note (CUSIP _______), or

                          (ii) [ ] Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP/CINS
                          _______), or

                  (b) [ ] Restricted Definitive Note.

2. After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:

                                   [CHECK ONE]

                  (a) [ ] beneficial interest in the:

                          (i) [ ] 144A Global Note (CUSIP _______), or

                          (ii) [ ] Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP/CINS
                          _______), or

                          (iii) [ ] Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP _______);
                          or

                  (b) [ ] Restricted Definitive Note; or

                  (c) [ ] an Unrestricted Definitive Note,

in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

                              Annex A to Exhibit B

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT C
                         FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

The Houston Exploration Company
1100 Louisiana, Suite 2000
Houston, Texas  77002

The Bank of New York

         Re: 7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (CUSIP _______)

         Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of June 10, 2003
(the "INDENTURE"), between The Houston Exploration Company, as issuer (the
"COMPANY"), and The Bank of New York, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not
defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

         _______________, (the "OWNER") owns and proposes to exchange the
Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount of
$___________ in such Note[s] or interests (the "EXCHANGE"). In connection with
the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:

         1.       EXCHANGE OF RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES OR BENEFICIAL
INTERESTS IN A RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE FOR UNRESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES OR
BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN AN UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE

                  (a) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A
RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE TO BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN AN UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE. In
connection with the Exchange of the Owner's beneficial interest in a Restricted
Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note in an equal
principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is
being acquired for the Owner's own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange
has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the
Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the United States
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SECURITIES ACT"), (iii) the
restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement
Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act
and (iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being
acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state
of the United States.

                  (b) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A
RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE TO UNRESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE. In connection with the
Exchange of the Owner's beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for an
Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Definitive Note
is being acquired for the Owner's own account without transfer, (ii) such
Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions
applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with
the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the
Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain
compliance

                                      C-1

<PAGE>

with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being
acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state
of the United States.

                  (c) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE
TO BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN AN UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE. In connection with the
Owner's Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an
Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest
is being acquired for the Owner's own account without transfer, (ii) such
Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions
applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with
the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the
Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain
compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being
acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state
of the United States.

                  (d) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE
TO UNRESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE. In connection with the Owner's Exchange of a
Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby
certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner's
own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance
with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and
pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on
transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not
required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the
Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable
blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

         2.       EXCHANGE OF RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES OR BENEFICIAL
INTERESTS IN RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES FOR RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES OR
BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES

                  (a) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A
RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE TO RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE. In connection with the
Exchange of the Owner's beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a
Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby
certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner's
own account without transfer. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in
accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note
issued will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in
the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in
the Indenture and the Securities Act.

                  (b) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE
TO BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE. In connection with the
Exchange of the Owner's Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in
the [CHECK ONE] 144A Global Note or Regulation S Global Note, with an equal
principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) such Owner acquired such
Restricted Definitive Note in a transaction pursuant to Rule 144A or Regulation
S or another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act,
(ii) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner's own account
without transfer and (iii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with
the transfer

                                      C-2

<PAGE>

restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in
accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue
sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the
proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the beneficial
interest issued will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in
the Private Placement Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and
in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

         This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your
benefit and the benefit of the Company.

                                                ___________________________
                                                [Insert Name of Owner]

                                                By: ____________________________
                                                Name:
                                                Title:

Dated: ________________, _____

                                      C-3

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT D
                         FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
                    TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

         SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this "SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE") dated as of
________ __, ____, between ____________________ (the "SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR"), a
subsidiary of The Houston Exploration Company (or its successor), a company
incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "COMPANY"), and The
Bank of New York, a New York banking corporation, as trustee under the indenture
referred to below (the "TRUSTEE").

                               W I T N E S S E T H

         WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore executed and delivered to the
Trustee an indenture (the "INDENTURE"), dated as of June 10, 2003 providing for
the issuance of 7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the "NOTES");

         WHEREAS, Section 4.15 of the Indenture provides that, under certain
circumstances, the Company is required to cause the Subsidiary Guarantor to
execute and deliver to the Trustee a Subsidiary Guarantee on the terms and
conditions set forth herein; and

         WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Indenture, the Trustee is
authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the
Subsidiary Guarantor and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal
and ratable benefit of the holders of the Notes as follows:

         1.       Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms used herein without
definition shall have the meanings as assigned to them in the Indenture.

         2.       Indenture Provision Pursuant to which Guarantee is Given. This
Supplemental Indenture is being executed and delivered pursuant to Section 4.15
of the Indenture.

         3.       Agreements To Guarantee. The Subsidiary Guarantor hereby
agrees as follows:

         (a)      The Subsidiary Guarantor, jointly and severally with all other
Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, unconditionally guarantees to each Holder of a
Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and its
successors and assigns, regardless of the validity and enforceability of the
Indenture, the Notes and the Obligations of the Company under the Indenture and
the Notes, that:

                  (i)      the principal of, premium, if any, and interest and
         Liquidated Damages on the Notes shall be promptly paid in full when
         due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and
         interest on the overdue principal of, premium, if any, and interest and
         Liquidated Damages on the Notes, to the extent lawful, and all other

                                      D-1

<PAGE>

         obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee thereunder
         shall be promptly paid in full, all in accordance with the terms
         thereof; and

                  (ii)     in case of any extension of time for payment or
         renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same
         shall be promptly paid in full when due in accordance with the terms of
         the extension or renewal, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration
         or otherwise.

         Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that this Subsidiary
Guarantee would constitute or result in a violation of any applicable fraudulent
conveyance or similar law of any relevant jurisdiction, the liability of the
Subsidiary Guarantor under this Supplemental Indenture and its Subsidiary
Guarantee shall be limited to such amount as will not, after giving effect
thereto, and to all other liabilities of the Subsidiary Guarantor, result in
such amount constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

         4.       Execution and Delivery of Subsidiary Guarantees

         (a)      To evidence its Subsidiary Guarantee set forth in this
Supplemental Indenture, the Subsidiary Guarantor hereby agrees that a notation
of such Subsidiary Guarantee substantially in the form of Annex A hereto shall
be endorsed by an officer of such Subsidiary Guarantor on each Note
authenticated and delivered by the Trustee after the date hereof.

         (b)      Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subsidiary Guarantor hereby
agrees that its Subsidiary Guarantee set forth herein shall remain in full force
and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Note a notation of
such Subsidiary Guarantee.

         (c)      If an officer whose signature is on this Supplemental
Indenture or on the Subsidiary Guarantee no longer holds that office at the time
the Trustee authenticates the Note on which a Subsidiary Guarantee is endorsed,
the Subsidiary Guarantee shall be valid nevertheless.

         (d)      The delivery of the Note by the Trustee, after the
authentication thereof under the Indenture, shall constitute due delivery of the
Subsidiary Guarantee set forth in this Supplemental Indenture on behalf of the
Subsidiary Guarantor.

         (e)      The Subsidiary Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations
hereunder shall be unconditional, regardless of the validity, regularity or
enforceability of the Notes or the Indenture, the absence of any action to
enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Notes with respect
to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the
Company, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might
otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor.

         (f)      The Subsidiary Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment,
demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or
bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the
Company, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenants that its
Subsidiary Guarantee made pursuant to this Supplemental Indenture will not be
discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the
Notes and the Indenture or pursuant to Section 5(b) of this Supplemental
Indenture.

                                      D-2

<PAGE>

         (g)      If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to
enforce any right or remedy under this Supplemental Indenture and such
proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been
determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then, and in every such
case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Subsidiary Guarantor,
the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to
their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the
Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no
such proceeding had been instituted.

         (h)      The Subsidiary Guarantor hereby waives and will not in any
manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any rights of
reimbursement, indemnity or subrogation or any other rights against the Company
or any other Subsidiary Guarantor as a result of any payment by such Subsidiary
Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee. The Subsidiary Guarantor further
agrees that, as between the Subsidiary Guarantors, on the one hand, and the
Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand:

                  (i)      the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may
         be accelerated as provided in Article Six of the Indenture for the
         purposes of the Subsidiary Guarantee made pursuant to this Supplemental
         Indenture, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition
         preventing such acceleration in respect of the Obligations guaranteed
         hereby; and

                  (ii)     in the event of any declaration of acceleration of
         such obligations as provided in Article Six, such obligations (whether
         or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the
         Subsidiary Guarantor for the purpose of the Subsidiary Guarantee made
         pursuant to this Supplemental Indenture.

         (i)      Upon payment of all the Obligations in respect of the Notes
and the Indenture, the Subsidiary Guarantor shall have the right to seek
contribution from any other non-paying Subsidiary Guarantor.

         (j)      The Subsidiary Guarantor covenants (to the extent that it may
lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any
manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension
or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may
affect the covenants or the performance of the Indenture or this Subsidiary
Guarantee; and the Subsidiary Guarantor (to the extent that it may lawfully do
so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and
covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power
herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every
such power as though no such law had been enacted.

         5.       Subsidiary Guarantor May Consolidate, Etc. on Certain Terms

         (a)      Except as set forth in Articles Four and Five of the
Indenture, nothing contained in the Indenture, this Supplemental Indenture or in
the Notes shall prevent any consolidation or merger of the Subsidiary Guarantor
with or into the Company or any other Subsidiary Guarantor or shall prevent any
transfer, sale or conveyance of the property of the Subsidiary Guarantor as an
entirety or substantially as an entirety, to the Company or any other Subsidiary
Guarantor.

                                      D-3

<PAGE>

         (b)      Except as set forth in Article Five of the Indenture, upon the
sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Subsidiary Guarantor to a third party (in each case, other than to an Affiliate
of the Company) by way of a merger, consolidation or otherwise, or a sale or
other disposition of all of the Capital Stock of the Subsidiary Guarantor, then
the Subsidiary Guarantor (in the event of a sale or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Subsidiary Guarantor), the Subsidiary
Guarantor shall be deemed automatically and unconditionally released and
discharged from all obligations under this Subsidiary Guarantee without any
further action required on the part of the Trustee or any Holder if no Default
shall have occurred and be continuing; provided, that in the event of an Asset
Sale, the Net Cash Proceeds therefrom are treated in accordance with Section
4.10 of the Indenture. Upon receipt of an Officer's Certificate of the Company
or the Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, to the effect that the Company
or such Subsidiary Guarantor has complied with the first sentence of this
Section 5(b), the Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably requested by
the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantor, at the cost of the Company or such
Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, in order to evidence the release of
such Subsidiary Guarantor from its obligations under its Guarantee endorsed on
the Notes and under the Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture.

         (c)      Subject to the first sentence of Section 5(b), the Subsidiary
Guarantor shall not consolidate with, or merge with or into (whether or not the
Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving person), another Person other than the
Company or another Subsidiary Guarantor whether or not affiliated with such
Subsidiary Guarantor, unless (i) the Person formed by or surviving any such
consolidation or merger (if other than such Subsidiary Guarantor) assumes all
the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to a supplemental
indenture in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee in respect of the
Notes, this Supplemental Indenture and the Subsidiary Guarantee made pursuant
hereto; (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or
Event of Default exists; and (iii) the Company delivers to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel addressed to the Trustee with
respect to the foregoing matters.

         6.       Releases Upon Release of Guarantee of Guaranteed Indebtedness.
The Subsidiary Guarantor shall be automatically and unconditionally released and
relieved of its obligations under this Supplemental Indenture and its Subsidiary
Guarantee made pursuant to Section 4 of this Supplemental Indenture immediately
upon (i) the release or discharge of the guarantee which resulted in the
creation of the Subsidiary Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a
result of payment under such guarantee or (ii) the designation pursuant to the
terms of the Indenture, of such Subsidiary Guarantor as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary. Upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of an Officer's
Certificate to the effect that such release or discharge has occurred, the
Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence the
release of the Subsidiary Guarantor from its obligations under this Supplemental
Indenture and its Subsidiary Guarantee made pursuant hereto; provided, that such
documents shall not affect or impair the rights of the Trustee and Paying Agent
under Section 7.7 of the Indenture.

                                      D-4

<PAGE>

         7.       Subordination.

         (a)      Agreement To Subordinate. The Subsidiary Guarantor agrees, and
each Holder by accepting this Subsidiary Guarantee agrees, that the payment of
the Subordinated Note Obligations by the Subsidiary Guarantor shall be
subordinated in right of payment, as set forth in this Section 7, to the prior
payment in full in cash of all Senior Debt of such Subsidiary Guarantor whether
outstanding on the date hereof or hereafter incurred.

         (b)      Liquidation; Dissolution; Bankruptcy. Upon any payment or
distribution of property or securities to creditors of the Subsidiary Guarantor
in a liquidation or dissolution of the Subsidiary Guarantor or in a bankruptcy,
reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding relating to the
Subsidiary Guarantor or its property, or in an assignment for the benefit of
creditors or any marshalling of the Subsidiary Guarantor's assets and
liabilities, the holders of Senior Debt of such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be
entitled to receive payment in full of all Obligations due in respect of such
Senior Debt (including interest after the commencement of any such proceeding at
the rate specified in the applicable Senior Debt, whether or not a claim for
such interest would be allowed in a proceeding) before the Holders of the Notes
will be entitled to receive any payment from the Subsidiary Guarantor with
respect to the Notes, and until all Obligations with respect to such Senior Debt
are paid in full, any distribution to which the Holders of the Notes would be
entitled to receive from the Subsidiary Guarantor shall be made to the holders
of such Subsidiary Guarantor's Senior Debt (except that Holders of the Notes may
receive payments made from the trust described in Article 8 of the Indenture.

         (c)      Default on Designated Senior Debt. The Subsidiary Guarantor
also may not make any payment (whether by redemption, purchase, retirement,
defeasance or otherwise) upon or in respect of the Notes (except from the trust
described in Article 8 of the Indenture) if (i) a default in the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on Guarantor Designated Senior Debt
(as defined below) of the Subsidiary Guarantor occurs ("PAYMENT DEFAULT") or
(ii) any other default occurs and is continuing with respect to Guarantor
Designated Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor that permits, or with the
giving of notice or passage of time or both (unless cured or waived) will
permit, holders of such Guarantor Designated Senior Debt as to which such
default relates to accelerate its maturity ("NON-PAYMENT DEFAULT") and (solely
with respect to this clause (ii) ) the Trustee receives a notice of such default
(a "PAYMENT BLOCKAGE NOTICE") from the holders or representatives of such
Guarantor Designated Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor. Cash payments on
the Notes from the Subsidiary Guarantor shall be resumed (a) in the case of a
payment default, upon the date on which such default is cured or waived and (b)
in case of a nonpayment default, the earlier of the date on which such
nonpayment default is cured or waived or 179 days after the date on which the
applicable Payment Blockage Notice is received, unless the maturity of any
Guarantor Designated Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor or Designated
Senior Debt of the Company has been accelerated or a default of the type
described in paragraph (g) or (h) of Section 6.1 of the Indenture has occurred
and is continuing. No new period of payment blockage may be commenced unless and
until 360 days have elapsed since the date of commencement of the payment
blockage period resulting from the immediately prior Payment Blockage Notice. No
nonpayment default in respect of Designated Senior Debt of the Subsidiary
Guarantor that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any Payment
Blockage Notice to the Trustee shall be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent
Payment Blockage Notice unless such default

                                      D-5

<PAGE>

shall have been cured or waived for a period of no less than 90 days. "GUARANTOR
DESIGNATED SENIOR DEBT" means (i) Indebtedness of the Subsidiary Guarantor under
the Credit Agreement and (ii) any Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor
permitted under the Indenture which at the date of determination, has an
aggregate principal amount outstanding of, or under which, at the date of
determination, the holders thereof are committed to lend up to $25.0 million and
is specifically designated by the Subsidiary Guarantor in the instrument
evidencing or governing such Senior Debt as "Guarantor Designated Senior Debt"
for purposes of this Supplemental Indenture.

         (d)      Acceleration of Securities. If the Subsidiary Guarantor fails
to make any payment on the Notes when due or within any applicable grace period,
whether or not on account of the payment blockage provision referred to above,
such failure shall constitute an Event of Default and shall entitle the holders
of the Notes to accelerate the maturity thereof. The Subsidiary Guarantor shall
promptly notify holders of Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor if payment of
the Notes is accelerated because of an Event of Default.

         (e)      When Distribution Must Be Paid Over. In the event that the
Trustee or any Holder receives any payment of any Subordinated Note Obligations
at a time when the Trustee or such Holder, as applicable, has actual knowledge
that such payment is prohibited by Section 7(b) or 7(c) hereof, such payment
shall be held by the Trustee or such Holder, in trust for the benefit of, and
shall be paid forthwith over and delivered, upon written request, to, the
holders of Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor as their interests may appear
or their representative under the indenture or other agreement (if any) pursuant
to which such Senior Debt may have been issued, as their respective interests
may appear, for application to the payment of all Obligations with respect to
such Senior Debt remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay such
Obligations in full in accordance with their terms, after giving effect to any
concurrent payment or distribution to or for the holders of Senior Debt of the
Subsidiary Guarantor.

         In the event that any Holder receives any payment of any Subordinated
Note Obligations at any time when such payment is prohibited by Section 7(b) or
7(c) hereof, such payment shall be held by such Holder, in trust for the benefit
of, and shall be paid forthwith over and delivered, upon written request to, the
Holders of Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor as their interest may appear
or their representative under the indenture or other agreement (if any) pursuant
to which such Senior Debt may have been issued, as their interest may appear,
for the application to the payment of all Obligations with respect to such
Senior Debt remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay such Obligations in
full in accordance with their terms, after giving effect to any concurrent
payment or distribution to or for the holders of Senior Debt. With respect to
the holders of Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee undertakes
to perform only such obligations on the part of the Trustee as are specifically
set forth in this Section 7, and no implied covenants or obligations with
respect to the holders of Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor shall be read
into the Indenture or this Subsidiary Guarantee against the Trustee. The Trustee
shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Debt of
the Subsidiary Guarantor, and shall not be liable to any such holders if the
Trustee shall pay over or distribute to or on behalf of Holders or the
Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Person money or assets to which any holders of
Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor shall be entitled by virtue of this
Section 7, except if such payment is made as a result of the willful misconduct
or gross negligence of the Trustee.

                                      D-6

<PAGE>

         (f)      Notice By Subsidiary Guarantor. The Subsidiary Guarantor shall
promptly notify the Trustee and the Paying Agent of any facts known to the
Subsidiary Guarantor that would cause a payment of any Subordinated Note
Obligations to violate this Section 7, but failure to give such notice shall not
affect the subordination of this Subsidiary Guarantee to the Senior Debt of the
Subsidiary Guarantor as provided in this Section 7.

         (g)      Subrogation. After all the Senior Debt of the Subsidiary
Guarantor is paid in full and until the Notes are paid in full in cash, Holders
of Notes shall be subrogated (equally and ratably with all other Indebtedness
pari passu with the Notes) to the rights of holders of such Senior Debt of the
Subsidiary Guarantor to receive distributions applicable to Senior Debt of the
Subsidiary Guarantor to the extent that distributions otherwise payable to the
Holders of Notes have been applied to the payment of Senior Debt of the
Subsidiary Guarantor. A distribution made under this Section 7 to holders of
Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor that otherwise would have been made to
Holders of Notes is not, as between the Subsidiary Guarantor and Holders, a
payment by the Subsidiary Guarantor on the Senior Debt of the Subsidiary
Guarantor.

         (h)      Relative Rights. This Section 7 defines the relative rights of
Holders of Notes and holders of Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor. Nothing
in this Subsidiary Guarantee shall:

                  (a)      impair, as between the Subsidiary Guarantor and
         Holders of Notes, the obligation of the Subsidiary Guarantor, which is
         absolute and unconditional, to pay principal of, premium, if any, and
         interest and Liquidated Damages on the Notes in accordance with their
         terms;

                  (b)      affect the relative rights of Holders of Notes and
         creditors of the Subsidiary Guarantor other than their rights in
         relation to holders of Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor; or

                  (c)      prevent the Trustee or any Holder of Notes from
         exercising its available remedies upon a Default or Event of Default,
         subject to the rights of holders and owners of Senior Debt of the
         Subsidiary Guarantor to receive distributions and payments otherwise
         payable to Holders of Notes.

         If the Subsidiary Guarantor fails because of this Section 7 to pay
principal of, premium, if any, or interest and Liquidated Damages on a Note on
the due date, the failure is nevertheless a Default or an Event of Default.

         (i)      Subordination May Not Be Impaired By Subsidiary Guarantor. No
right of any holder of Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor to enforce the
subordination of the Indebtedness evidenced by the Notes shall be impaired by
any act or failure to act by the Subsidiary Guarantor or any Holder or by the
failure of the Subsidiary Guarantor or any Holder to comply with this Subsidiary
Guarantee.

         (j)      Distribution or Notice to Representative. Whenever a
distribution is to be made or a notice given to holders of Senior Debt of the
Subsidiary Guarantor, the distribution may be made and the notice given to their
representative.

                                      D-7

<PAGE>

         Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Subsidiary Guarantor
referred to in this Section 7, the Trustee and the Holders of Notes shall be
entitled to rely upon any order or decree made by any court of competent
jurisdiction or upon any certificate of such representative or of the
liquidating trustee or agent or other Person making any distribution to the
Trustee or to the Holders of Notes for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons
entitled to participate in such distribution, the holders of the Senior Debt of
the Subsidiary Guarantor and other Indebtedness of the Subsidiary Guarantor, the
amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed
thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Section 7.

         (k)      Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this Section 7 or any other provision of this Subsidiary Guarantee
or the Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of the
existence of any facts that would prohibit the making of any payment or
distribution by the Trustee, and the Trustee and the Paying Agent may continue
to make payments on the Notes, unless the Trustee shall have received at its
Corporate Trust Office at least five Business Days prior to the date of such
payment written notice of facts that would cause the payment of any Subordinated
Note Obligations to violate this Section 7. Only the Subsidiary Guarantor or a
representative may give the notice. Nothing in this Section 7 shall impair the
claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.7 of the
Indenture.

         The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may hold Senior
Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor with the same rights it would have if it were
not Trustee. Any Agent may do the same with like rights.

         (l)      Authorization to Effect Subordination. Each Holder of Notes,
by the Holder's acceptance thereof, authorizes and directs the Trustee on such
Holder's behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to
effectuate the subordination as provided in this Section 7, and appoints the
Trustee to act as such Holder's attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.
If the Trustee does not file a proper proof of claim or proof of debt in the
form required in any proceeding referred to in Section 6.9 of the Indenture at
least 30 days before the expiration of the time to file such claim, a
representative of Designated Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor is hereby
authorized to file an appropriate claim for and on behalf of the Holders of the
Notes.

         8.       Governing Law. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE SHALL BE GOVERNED
BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

         9.       Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of
this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of
them together represent the same agreement.

         10.      Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for
convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

                                      D-8

<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental
Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the date first above
written.

Dated: _________________, _____

                                                  [NAME OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR]

                                                  By: __________________________
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:

Dated:___________________, ____

                                                  [NAME OF TRUSTEE],
                                                  as Trustee

                                                  By: __________________________
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:

                                      D-9

<PAGE>

                        ANNEX A TO SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
                FORM OF NOTATION OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEE ON NOTE

Each Subsidiary Guarantor (as defined in the Indenture) has jointly and
severally unconditionally guaranteed (a) the due and punctual payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes, whether at Stated
Maturity or an Interest Payment Date, by acceleration, call for redemption or
otherwise, (b) the due and punctual payment of interest on the overdue principal
and premium of, and interest, to the extent lawful, on the Notes and (c) that in
case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such
other obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due in accordance
with the terms of the extension of renewal, whether at Stated Maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Subsidiary Guarantee would
constitute or result in a violation of any applicable fraudulent conveyance or
similar law of any relevant jurisdiction, the liability of the Subsidiary
Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee shall be limited to such amount as will
not, after giving effect thereto, and to all other liabilities of the Subsidiary
Guarantor, result in such amount constituting a fraudulent transfer or
conveyance. The Subsidiary Guarantee shall not be valid or obligatory for any
purpose until the certificate of authentication on the Note upon which the
Subsidiary Guarantee is noted shall have been executed by the Trustee under the
Indenture by the manual or facsimile signature of one of its authorized
officers.

Dated: ______________, _____

                                                  [NAME OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR]

                                                  By: __________________________
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:

                              Annex A to Exhibit D<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.5

================================================================================

                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                            dated as of June 10, 2003

                                  by and among

                         THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY

                                       and

                            WACHOVIA SECURITIES, LLC.

                              LEHMAN BROTHERS INC.

                          BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES CORP.

                             FLEET SECURITIES, INC.

                                       and

                            SCOTIA CAPITAL (USA) INC.

================================================================================

<PAGE>

         This Registration Rights Agreement (this "Agreement") is made and
entered into as of June 10, 2003, by and among The Houston Exploration Company,
a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Wachovia Securities, LLC, Lehman
Brothers Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Fleet Securities, Inc. and Scotia
Capital (USA) Inc. (each an "Initial Purchaser" and, collectively, the "Initial
Purchasers"), each of whom has agreed to purchase the Company's 7%Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the "Initial Notes") pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement (as defined below).

         This Agreement is made pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated June
5, 2003, (the "Purchase Agreement"), by and among the Company, and the Initial
Purchasers. In order to induce the Initial Purchasers to purchase the Initial
Notes, the Company has agreed to provide the registration rights set forth in
this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to
the obligations of the Initial Purchasers set forth in Section 7 of the Purchase
Agreement. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have
the meaning assigned to them in the Indenture, dated June 10, 2003, between the
Company and The Bank of New York, a New York banking corporation, as trustee
(the "Trustee"), relating to the Initial Notes and the Exchange Notes (the
"Indenture").

         The parties hereby agree as follows:

Section 1. Definitions.

         As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have
the following meanings:

         Act: The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         Affiliate: As defined in Rule 144 of the Act.

         Broker-Dealer: Any broker or dealer registered under the Exchange Act.

         Closing Date: The date hereof.

         Commission: The Securities and Exchange Commission.

         Consummate: An Exchange Offer shall be deemed "Consummated" for
purposes of this Agreement upon the occurrence of (a) the filing and
effectiveness under the Act of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
relating to the Exchange Notes to be issued in the Exchange Offer, (b) the
maintenance of the continuous effectiveness of such Exchange Offer Registration
Statement and the keeping of the Exchange Offer open for a period not less than
the period required pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof and (c) the delivery by the
Company to the Registrar under the Indenture of Exchange Notes in the same
aggregate principal amount as the aggregate principal amount of Initial Notes
tendered by Holders thereof pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

         Consummation Deadline: As defined in Section 3(b) hereof.

         Effectiveness Deadline: As defined in Section 3(a) and 4(a) hereof.

                                       1

<PAGE>

         Exchange Act: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

         Exchange Notes: The Company's 7%Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 to
be issued pursuant to the Indenture: (i) in the Exchange Offer or (ii) as
contemplated by Section 4 hereof.

         Exchange Offer: The exchange and issuance by the Company of a principal
amount of Exchange Notes (which shall be registered pursuant to the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement) equal to the outstanding principal amount of
Initial Notes that are tendered by such Holders in connection with such exchange
and issuance.

         Exchange Offer Registration Statement: The Registration Statement
relating to the Exchange Offer, including the related Prospectus.

         Exempt Resales: The transactions in which the Initial Purchasers
propose to sell the Initial Notes to certain "qualified institutional buyers,"
as such term is defined in Rule 144A under the Act, and pursuant to Regulation S
under the Act.

         Filing Deadline: As defined in Sections 3(a) and 4(a) hereof.

         Holders: As defined in Section 2 hereof.

         Prospectus: The prospectus included in a Registration Statement at the
time such Registration Statement is declared effective, as amended or
supplemented by any prospectus supplement and by all other amendments thereto,
including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference
into such Prospectus.

         Recommencement Date: As defined in Section 6(d) hereof.

         Registration Default: As defined in Section 5 hereof.

         Registration Statement: Any registration statement of the Company
relating to (a) an offering of Exchange Notes pursuant to an Exchange Offer or
(b) the registration for resale of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to
the Shelf Registration Statement, in each case (i) that is filed pursuant to the
provisions of this Agreement and (ii) including the Prospectus included therein,
all amendments and supplements thereto (including post-effective amendments) and
all exhibits and material incorporated by reference therein.

         Regulation S: Regulation S promulgated under the Act.

         Rule 144: Rule 144 promulgated under the Act.

         Shelf Registration Statement: As defined in Section 4 hereof.

         Suspension Notice: As defined in Section 6(d) hereof.

         TIA: The Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Section 77aaa-77bbbb)
as in effect on the date of the Indenture.

                                       2

<PAGE>

         Transfer Restricted Securities: Each Initial Note, until the earliest
to occur of (a) the date on which such Initial Note is exchanged in the Exchange
Offer for a Exchange Note which is entitled to be resold to the public by the
Holder thereof without complying with the prospectus delivery requirements of
the Act, (b) the date on which such Initial Note has been disposed of in
accordance with a Shelf Registration Statement (and the purchasers thereof have
been issued Exchange Notes therefor), or (c) the date on which such Initial Note
is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Act and each
Exchange Note until the date on which such Exchange Note is disposed of by a
Broker-Dealer pursuant to the "Plan of Distribution" contemplated by the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement (including the delivery of the Prospectus
contained therein).

Section 2. Holders.

         A Person is deemed to be a holder of Transfer Restricted Securities
(each, a "Holder") whenever such Person owns Transfer Restricted Securities.

Section 3. Registered Exchange Offer.

         (a) Unless the Exchange Offer shall not be permitted by applicable
federal law (after the procedures set forth in Section 6(a)(i) below have been
complied with), the Company shall (i) cause the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement to be filed with the Commission as soon as practicable after the
Closing Date, but in no event later than 90 days after the Closing Date (such
90th day being the "Filing Deadline"), (ii) use its commercially reasonable
efforts to cause such Exchange Offer Registration Statement to become effective
at the earliest possible time, but in no event later than 180 days after the
Closing Date (such 180th day being the "Effectiveness Deadline"), (iii) in
connection with the foregoing, (A) file all pre-effective amendments to such
Exchange Offer Registration Statement as may be necessary in order to cause it
to become effective, (B) file, if applicable, a post-effective amendment to such
Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 430A under the Act and
(C) cause all necessary filings, if any, in connection with the registration and
qualification of the Exchange Notes to be made under the Blue Sky laws of such
jurisdictions as are necessary to permit Consummation of the Exchange Offer, and
(iv) upon the effectiveness of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement,
commence and Consummate the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer shall be on the
appropriate form permitting (i) registration of the Exchange Notes to be offered
in exchange for the Initial Notes that are Transfer Restricted Securities and
(ii) resales of Exchange Notes by Broker-Dealers that tendered into the Exchange
Offer Initial Notes that such Broker-Dealer acquired for its own account as a
result of market making activities or other trading activities (other than
Initial Notes acquired directly from the Company or any of its Affiliates) as
contemplated by Section 3(c) below.

         (b) The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause
the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be effective continuously, and
shall keep the Exchange Offer open for a period of not less than the minimum
period required under applicable federal and state securities laws to Consummate
the Exchange Offer; provided, however, that in no event shall such period be
less than 20 Business Days. The Company shall cause the Exchange Offer to comply
with all applicable federal and state securities laws. No securities other than
the Exchange Notes shall be included in the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement. The Company

                                       3

<PAGE>

shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Exchange Offer to be
Consummated on the earliest practicable date after the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement has become effective, but in no event later than 30
Business Days thereafter (such 30th day being the "Consummation Deadline").

         (c) The Company shall include a "Plan of Distribution" section in the
Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and indicate
therein that any Broker-Dealer who holds Transfer Restricted Securities that
were acquired for the account of such Broker-Dealer as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities (other than Initial Notes acquired
directly from the Company or any Affiliate of the Company), may exchange such
Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Such "Plan of
Distribution" section shall also contain all other information with respect to
such sales by such Broker-Dealers that the Commission may require in order to
permit such sales pursuant thereto, but such "Plan of Distribution" shall not
name any such Broker-Dealer or disclose the amount of Transfer Restricted
Securities held by any such Broker-Dealer, except to the extent required by the
Commission as a result of a change in policy, rules or regulations after the
date of this Agreement.

         Because such Broker-Dealer may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within
the meaning of the Act and must, therefore, deliver a prospectus meeting the
requirements of the Act in connection with its initial sale of any Exchange
Notes received by such Broker-Dealer in the Exchange Offer, the Company shall
permit the use of the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement by such Broker-Dealer to satisfy such prospectus delivery requirement.
To the extent necessary to ensure that the prospectus contained in the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement is available for sales of Exchange Notes by
Broker-Dealers and, the Company agrees to use its commercially reasonable
efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement continuously
effective, supplemented, amended and current as required by and subject to the
provisions of Section 6(a) and (c) hereof and in conformity with the
requirements of this Agreement, the Act and the policies, rules and regulations
of the Commission as announced from time to time, for a period equal to the
lesser of (i) 180 days from the Consummation of the Exchange Offer or (ii) the
period ending on the date when all Transfer Restricted Securities covered by
such Registration Statement have been sold pursuant thereto. The Company shall
provide sufficient copies of the latest version of such Prospectus to such
Broker-Dealers, promptly upon request, and in no event later than one day after
such request, at any time during such period.

Section 4. Shelf Registration.

         (a) Shelf Registration. If (i) the Company is not required to file an
Exchange Offer Registration Statement or to Consummate the Exchange Offer
because the Exchange Offer is not permitted by applicable law (after the Company
has complied with the procedures set forth in Section 6(a)(i) below) or
Commission policy or (ii) if any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities shall
notify the Company within 20 Business Days following the Consummation of the
Exchange Offer that (A) such Holder was prohibited by law or Commission policy
from participating in the Exchange Offer or (B) such Holder may not resell the
Exchange Notes acquired by it in the Exchange Offer to the public without
delivering a prospectus and the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement is not appropriate or

                                       4

<PAGE>

available for such resales by such Holder or (C) such Holder is a Broker-Dealer
and holds Initial Notes acquired directly from the Company or any of its
Affiliates, then the Company shall:

                  (x)      cause to be filed, on or prior to 75 days after the
         earlier of (i) the date on which the Company determines that the
         Exchange Offer Registration Statement cannot be filed as a result of
         clause (a)(i) above and (ii) the date on which the Company receives the
         notice specified in clause (a)(ii) above, (such earlier date, the
         "Filing Deadline"), a shelf registration statement pursuant to Rule 415
         under the Act (which may be an amendment to the Exchange Offer
         Registration Statement (the "Shelf Registration Statement")), relating
         to all Transfer Restricted Securities, and

                  (y)      shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to
         cause such Shelf Registration Statement to become effective on or prior
         to 90 days after the Filing Deadline for the Shelf Registration
         Statement (such 90th day the "Effectiveness Deadline").

         If, after the Company has filed an Exchange Offer Registration
Statement that satisfies the requirements of Section 3(a) above, the Company is
required to file and make effective a Shelf Registration Statement solely
because the Exchange Offer is not permitted under applicable federal law (i.e.,
clause (a)(i) above), then the filing of the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of clause (x) above;
provided that, in such event, the Company shall remain obligated to meet the
Effectiveness Deadline set forth in clause (y).

         To the extent necessary to ensure that the Shelf Registration Statement
is available for sales of Transfer Restricted Securities by the Holders thereof
entitled to the benefit of this Section 4(a), the Company shall use its
commercially reasonable efforts to keep any Shelf Registration Statement
required by this Section 4(a) continuously effective, supplemented, amended and
current as required by and subject to the provisions of Sections 6(b) and (c)
hereof and in conformity with the requirements of this Agreement, the Act and
the policies, rules and regulations of the Commission as announced from time to
time, for a period of at least two years (as extended pursuant to Section
6(c)(i)) following the Closing Date, or such shorter period as will terminate
when all Transfer Restricted Securities covered by such Shelf Registration
Statement have been sold pursuant thereto.

         (b) Provision by Holders of Certain Information in Connection with the
Shelf Registration Statement. No Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities may
include any of its Transfer Restricted Securities in any Shelf Registration
Statement pursuant to this Agreement unless and until such Holder furnishes to
the Company in writing, within 20 days after receipt of a request therefor, the
information specified in Item 507 or 508 of Regulation S-K, as applicable, of
the Act for use in connection with any Shelf Registration Statement or
Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus included therein. No Holder of Transfer
Restricted Securities shall be entitled to liquidated damages pursuant to
Section 5 hereof unless and until such Holder shall have provided all such
information. Each selling Holder agrees to promptly furnish additional
information required to be disclosed in order to make the information previously
furnished to the Company by such Holder not materially misleading.

                                       5

<PAGE>

Section 5. Liquidated Damages.

         If (i) any Registration Statement required by this Agreement is not
filed with the Commission on or prior to the applicable Filing Deadline, (ii)
any such Registration Statement has not been declared effective by the
Commission on or prior to the applicable Effectiveness Deadline, (iii) the
Exchange Offer has not been Consummated on or prior to the Consummation Deadline
or (iv) any Registration Statement required by this Agreement is filed and
declared effective but shall thereafter cease to be effective or fail to be
usable for its intended purpose without being succeeded immediately by a
post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement that cures such failure
and that is itself declared effective immediately (each such event referred to
in clauses (i) through (iv), a "Registration Default"), then the Company agrees
to pay to each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities affected thereby
liquidated damages in an amount equal to $.05 per week per $1,000 in principal
amount of Transfer Restricted Securities held by such Holder for each week or
portion thereof that the Registration Default continues for the first 90-day
period immediately following the occurrence of such Registration Default. The
amount of the liquidated damages shall increase by an additional $.05 per week
per $1,000 in principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities with respect to
each subsequent 90-day period until all Registration Defaults have been cured,
up to a maximum amount of liquidated damages of $0.20 per week per $1,000 in
principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities; provided that the Company
shall in no event be required to pay liquidated damages for more than one
Registration Default at any given time. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
set forth herein, (1) upon filing of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
(and/or, if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement), in the case of (i)
above, (2) upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
(and/or, if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement), in the case of (ii)
above, (3) upon Consummation of the Exchange Offer, in the case of (iii) above,
or (4) upon the filing of a post-effective amendment to the Registration
Statement or an additional Registration Statement that causes the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement (and/or, if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement)
to again be declared effective or made usable in the case of (iv) above, the
liquidated damages payable with respect to the Transfer Restricted Securities as
a result of such clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv), as applicable, shall cease.

         All accrued liquidated damages shall be paid to the Holders entitled
thereto, in the manner provided for the payment of interest in the Indenture, on
each Interest Payment Date, as more fully set forth in the Indenture and the
Notes. Notwithstanding the fact that any securities for which liquidated damages
are due cease to be Transfer Restricted Securities, all obligations of the
Company to pay liquidated damages with respect to securities shall survive until
such time as such obligations with respect to such securities shall have been
satisfied in full.

Section 6. Registration Procedures.

         (a) Exchange Offer Registration Statement. In connection with the
Exchange Offer, the Company shall (x) comply with all applicable provisions of
Section 6(c) below, (y) use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such
exchange and to permit the resale of Exchange Notes by Broker-Dealers that
tendered in the Exchange Offer Initial Notes that such Broker-Dealer acquired
for its own account as a result of its market making activities or other trading
activities (other than Initial Notes acquired directly from the Company or any
of its Affiliates)

                                       6

<PAGE>

being sold in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution
thereof, and (z) comply with all of the following provisions:

                  (i)      If, following the date hereof there has been
         announced a change in Commission policy with respect to exchange offers
         such as the Exchange Offer, that in the reasonable opinion of counsel
         to the Company raises a substantial question as to whether the Exchange
         Offer is permitted by applicable federal law, the Company hereby agrees
         to seek a no-action letter or other favorable decision from the
         Commission allowing the Company to Consummate an Exchange Offer for
         such Transfer Restricted Securities. The Company hereby agrees to
         pursue the issuance of such a decision to the Commission staff level.
         In connection with the foregoing, the Company hereby agrees to take all
         such other actions as may be requested by the Commission or otherwise
         required in connection with the issuance of such decision, including
         without limitation (A) participating in telephonic conferences with the
         Commission, (B) delivering to the Commission staff an analysis prepared
         by counsel to the Company setting forth the legal bases, if any, upon
         which such counsel has concluded that such an Exchange Offer should be
         permitted and (C) diligently pursuing a resolution (which need not be
         favorable) by the Commission staff of such submission.

                  (ii)     As a condition to its participation in the Exchange
         Offer, each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities (including,
         without limitation, any Holder who is a Broker Dealer) shall furnish,
         upon the request of the Company, prior to the Consummation of the
         Exchange Offer, a written representation to the Company (which may be
         contained in the letter of transmittal contemplated by the Exchange
         Offer Registration Statement) to the effect that (A) it is not an
         Affiliate of the Company, (B) it is not engaged in, and does not intend
         to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any person
         to participate in, a distribution of the Exchange Notes to be issued in
         the Exchange Offer and (C) it is acquiring the Exchange Notes in its
         ordinary course of business. Each Holder using the Exchange Offer to
         participate in a distribution of the Exchange Notes hereby acknowledges
         and agrees that, if the resales are of Exchange Notes obtained by such
         Holder in exchange for Initial Notes acquired directly from the Company
         or an Affiliate thereof, it (1) could not, under Commission policy as
         in effect on the date of this Agreement, rely on the position of the
         Commission enunciated in Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. (available June
         5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13,
         1988), as interpreted in the Commission's letter to Shearman & Sterling
         dated July 2, 1993, and similar no-action letters (including, if
         applicable, any no-action letter obtained pursuant to clause (i)
         above), and (2) must comply with the registration and prospectus
         delivery requirements of the Act in connection with a secondary resale
         transaction and that such a secondary resale transaction must be
         covered by an effective registration statement containing the selling
         security holder information required by Item 507 or 508, as applicable,
         of Regulation S-K.

                  (iii)    Prior to effectiveness of the Exchange Offer
         Registration Statement, the Company shall provide a supplemental letter
         to the Commission (A) stating that the Company is registering the
         Exchange Offer in reliance on the position of the Commission enunciated
         in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), Morgan
         Stanley and Co., Inc. (available June 5, 1991) as interpreted in the
         Commission's letter to

                                       7

<PAGE>

         Shearman & Sterling dated July 2, 1993, and, if applicable, any
         no-action letter obtained pursuant to clause (i) above, (B) including a
         representation that the Company has not entered into any arrangement or
         understanding with any Person to distribute the Exchange Notes to be
         received in the Exchange Offer and that, to the best of the Company's
         information and belief, each Holder participating in the Exchange Offer
         is acquiring the Exchange Notes in its ordinary course of business and
         has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in
         the distribution of the Exchange Notes received in the Exchange Offer
         and (C) any other undertaking or representation required by the
         Commission as set forth in any no-action letter obtained pursuant to
         clause (i) above, if applicable.

                  (iv)     If requested by any Initial Purchaser, the Company
         shall furnish to such Initial Purchaser, before filing with the
         Commission, copies of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or any
         Prospectus included therein or any amendments or supplements to any
         such Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Prospectus, which
         documents will be subject to the review and comment of such Initial
         Purchaser, and the Company will not file any such Exchange Offer
         Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to
         any such Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Prospectus to which
         such Initial Purchaser shall reasonably object prior to the filing
         thereof with the Commission. A Holder shall be deemed to have
         reasonably objected to such filing if such Exchange Offer Registration
         Statement, amendment, Prospectus or supplement, as applicable, as
         proposed to be filed, contains a material misstatement or omission or
         fails to comply with the applicable requirements of the Act.

                  (v)      If requested by any Initial Purchaser in connection
         with such exchange, the Company shall promptly include in any Exchange
         Offer Registration Statement or Prospectus, pursuant to a supplement or
         post-effective amendment if necessary, such information as such Initial
         Purchaser may reasonably request to have included therein, including,
         without limitation, information relating to the "Plan of Distribution"
         of the Transfer Restricted Securities; and make all required filings of
         such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as
         practicable after the Company is notified of the matters to be included
         in such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

         (b) Shelf Registration Statement. In connection with the Shelf
Registration Statement, the Company shall:

                  (i)      use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect
         such registration to permit the sale of the Transfer Restricted
         Securities being sold in accordance with the intended method or methods
         of distribution thereof (as indicated in the information furnished to
         the Company pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof), and pursuant thereto the
         Company shall prepare and file with the Commission a Registration
         Statement relating to the registration on any appropriate form under
         the Act, which form shall be available for the sale of the Transfer
         Restricted Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods
         of distribution thereof within the time periods and otherwise in
         accordance with the provisions hereof;

                                       8

<PAGE>

                  (ii)     issue, upon the request of any Holder or purchaser of
         Initial Notes covered by any Shelf Registration Statement contemplated
         by this Agreement, Exchange Notes having an aggregate principal amount
         equal to the aggregate principal amount of Initial Notes sold pursuant
         to the Shelf Registration Statement and surrendered to the Company for
         cancellation; the Company shall register the Exchange Notes in the name
         of the purchaser(s) who purchased securities subject to the Shelf
         Registration Statement.

                  (iii)    furnish to each Holder in connection with such
         exchange or sale, if any, before filing with the Commission, copies of
         any Shelf Registration Statement or any Prospectus included therein or
         any amendments or supplements to any such Shelf Registration Statement
         or Prospectus (including all documents incorporated by reference after
         the initial filing of such Shelf Registration Statement), which
         documents will be subject to the review and comment of such Holders in
         connection with such sale, if any, for a period of at least five
         Business Days, and the Company will not file any such Shelf
         Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to
         any such Shelf Registration Statement or Prospectus (including all such
         documents incorporated by reference) to which such Holders shall
         reasonably object within five Business Days after the receipt thereof.
         A Holder shall be deemed to have reasonably objected to such filing if
         such Shelf Registration Statement, amendment, Prospectus or supplement,
         as applicable, as proposed to be filed, contains a material
         misstatement or omission or fails to comply with the applicable
         requirements of the Act;

                  (iv)     promptly prior to the filing of any document that is
         to be incorporated by reference into a Shelf Registration Statement or
         Prospectus, provide copies of such document to each Holder in
         connection with such exchange or sale, if any, make the Company's
         representatives available for discussion of such document and other
         customary due diligence matters, and include such information in such
         document prior to the filing thereof as such Holders may reasonably
         request;

                  (v)      make available, at reasonable times, for inspection
         by each selling Holder and any attorney or accountant retained by such
         Holders, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents
         of the Company and cause the officers, directors and employees to
         supply all information reasonably requested by any such Holder,
         attorney or accountant in connection with such Shelf Registration
         Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto subsequent to the
         filing thereof and prior to its effectiveness; provided, however, that
         such Persons shall first agree in writing with the Company that any
         information that is reasonably and in good faith designated by the
         Company in writing as confidential at the time of delivery of such
         information shall be kept confidential by such Persons, unless (i)
         disclosure of such information is required by court or administrative
         order or is necessary to respond to inquires of regulatory authorities,
         (ii) disclosure of such information is required by law (including any
         disclosure requirements pursuant to federal securities laws in
         connection with the filing of such Registration Statement or the use of
         any Prospectus), (iii) such information becomes generally available to
         the public other than as a result of a disclosure or failure to
         safeguard such information by such Person or (iv) such information
         becomes available to such Person from a source other than the Company
         and its subsidiary and such source

                                       9

<PAGE>

         is not known, after due inquiry, by such Person to be bound by a
         confidentiality agreement; provided further, that the foregoing
         investigation shall be coordinated on behalf of such Persons by one
         representative designated by and on behalf of such Persons and any such
         confidential information shall be available from such representative to
         such Persons so long as any Person agrees to be bound by such
         confidentiality agreement;

                  (vi)     if requested by any Holders in connection with such
         exchange or sale, promptly include in any Shelf Registration Statement
         or Prospectus, pursuant to a supplement or post-effective amendment if
         necessary, such information as such selling Holders may reasonably
         request to have included therein, including, without limitation,
         information relating to the "Plan of Distribution" of the Transfer
         Restricted Securities; and make all required filings of such Prospectus
         supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as practicable after the
         Company is notified of the matters to be included in such Prospectus
         supplement or post-effective amendment;

                  (vii)    deliver to each selling Holder without charge, as
         many copies of the Prospectus (including each preliminary prospectus)
         and any amendment or supplement thereto as such Persons reasonably may
         request; the Company hereby consents to the use (in accordance with
         law) of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto by each
         selling Holder in connection with the offering and the sale of the
         Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Prospectus or any
         amendment or supplement thereto;

                  (viii)   upon the request of any Holder, enter into such
         agreements (including underwriting agreements) and make such
         representations and warranties and take all such other actions in
         connection therewith in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition
         of the Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to any applicable Shelf
         Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement as may be
         reasonably requested by any Holder in connection with any sale or
         resale pursuant to any applicable Shelf Registration Statement. In such
         connection, the Company shall:

                           (A) upon request of any Holder, furnish (or in the
                  case of paragraphs (2) and (3), use its commercially
                  reasonable efforts to cause to be furnished) to each Holder,
                  upon the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement:

                                    (1) a certificate, dated such date, signed
                           on behalf of the Company by (x) the President or any
                           Vice President and (y) a principal financial or
                           accounting officer of the Company, confirming, as of
                           the date thereof, the matters set forth in paragraphs
                           (i), (ii) and (iii) of Section 7(f) of the Purchase
                           Agreement and such other similar matters as such
                           Holders may reasonably request;

                                    (2) an opinion, dated the date of
                           Consummation of the Exchange Offer or the date of
                           effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement, as
                           the case may be, of counsel for the Company covering
                           matters and beliefs similar to those set forth in
                           Annex A to the Purchase Agreement and such other
                           matters as such Holder may reasonably request; and

                                       10

<PAGE>

                                    (3) a customary comfort letter, dated the
                           date of Consummation of the Exchange Offer, or as of
                           the date of effectiveness of the Shelf Registration
                           Statement, as the case may be, from the Company's
                           independent accountants, in the customary form and
                           covering matters of the type customarily covered in
                           comfort letters to underwriters in connection with
                           underwritten offerings, and affirming the matters set
                           forth in the comfort letters delivered pursuant to
                           Section 7(e) of the Purchase Agreement; and

                           (B) deliver such other documents and certificates as
                  may be reasonably requested by the selling Holders to evidence
                  compliance with clause (A) above and with any customary
                  conditions contained in any agreement entered into by the
                  Company pursuant to this clause (vii);

                  (ix)     prior to any public offering of Transfer Restricted
         Securities, cooperate with the selling Holders and their counsel in
         connection with the registration and qualification of the Transfer
         Restricted Securities under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such
         jurisdictions as the selling Holders may request and do any and all
         other acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the disposition
         in such jurisdictions of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by
         the applicable Shelf Registration Statement; provided, however, that
         the Company shall not be required to register or qualify as a foreign
         corporation where it is not now so qualified or to take any action that
         would subject it to the service of process in suits or to taxation,
         other than as to matters and transactions relating to the Shelf
         Registration Statement, in any jurisdiction where it is not now so
         subject.

         (c) General Provisions. In connection with any Registration Statement
and any related Prospectus required by this Agreement, the Company shall:

                  (i)      use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep such
         Registration Statement continuously effective and provide all requisite
         financial statements for the period specified in Section 3 or 4 of this
         Agreement, as applicable. Upon the occurrence of any event that would
         cause any such Registration Statement or the Prospectus contained
         therein (A) to contain a material misstatement or omission or (B) not
         to be effective and usable for resale of Transfer Restricted Securities
         during the period required by this Agreement, the Company shall file
         promptly an appropriate amendment to such Registration Statement curing
         such defect, and, if Commission review is required, use its
         commercially reasonable efforts to cause such amendment to be declared
         effective as soon as practicable.

                  (ii)     prepare and file with the Commission such amendments
         and post-effective amendments to the applicable Registration Statement
         as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective for
         the applicable period set forth in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as the case
         may be; cause the Prospectus to be supplemented by any required
         Prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented to be filed pursuant to
         Rule 424 under the Act, and to comply fully with Rules 424, 430A and
         462, as applicable, under the Act in a timely manner; and comply with
         the provisions of the Act with respect to the

                                       11

<PAGE>

         disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement
         during the applicable period in accordance with the intended method or
         methods of distribution by the sellers thereof set forth in such
         Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus;

                  (iii)    advise (x) each selling Holder promptly and, if
         requested by such Holder, confirm such advice in writing, (A) when the
         Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has
         been filed, and, with respect to any applicable Registration Statement
         or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has become
         effective, and (B) of any request by the Commission for amendments to
         the Registration Statement or amendments or supplements to the
         Prospectus or for additional information relating thereto, and (y) each
         Holder promptly and, if requested by such Holder, confirm such advice
         in writing, (A) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order
         suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the
         Act or of the suspension by any state securities commission of the
         qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities for offering or
         sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation of any proceeding for any
         of the preceding purposes, and (B) of the existence of any fact or the
         happening of any event that makes any statement of a material fact made
         in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any amendment or
         supplement thereto or any document incorporated by reference therein
         untrue, or that requires the making of any additions to or changes in
         the Registration Statement in order to make the statements therein not
         misleading, or that requires the making of any additions to or changes
         in the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light
         of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If at
         any time the Commission shall issue any stop order suspending the
         effectiveness of the Registration Statement, or any state securities
         commission or other regulatory authority shall issue an order
         suspending the qualification or exemption from qualification of the
         Transfer Restricted Securities under state securities or Blue Sky laws,
         the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the
         withdrawal or lifting of such order at the earliest possible time;

                  (iv)     subject to Section 6(c)(i), if any fact or event
         contemplated by Section 6(c)(iii)(y)(B) above shall exist or have
         occurred, prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to the
         Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document
         incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document
         so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of Transfer
         Restricted Securities, the Prospectus will not contain an untrue
         statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
         necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
         circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

                  (v)      in connection with any sale of Transfer Restricted
         Securities that will result in such securities no longer being Transfer
         Restricted Securities, cooperate with the Holders to facilitate the
         timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Transfer
         Restricted Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive
         legends; and to register such Transfer Restricted Securities in such
         denominations and such names as the selling Holders may request at
         least two Business Days prior to such sale of Transfer Restricted
         Securities;

                                       12

<PAGE>

                  (vi)     use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the
         disposition of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the
         Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other
         governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the
         seller or sellers thereof to consummate the disposition of such
         Transfer Restricted Securities, subject to the proviso contained in
         clause (xii) above;

                  (vii)    provide a CUSIP number for all Transfer Restricted
         Securities not later than the effective date of a Registration
         Statement covering such Transfer Restricted Securities and provide the
         Trustee under the Indenture with printed certificates for the Transfer
         Restricted Securities which are in a form eligible for deposit with The
         Depository Trust Company;

                  (viii)   otherwise use its commercially reasonable efforts to
         comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and
         make generally available to its security holders with regard to any
         applicable Registration Statement, as soon as practicable, a
         consolidated earnings statement meeting the requirements of Rule 158
         (which need not be audited) covering a twelve-month period beginning
         after the effective date of the Registration Statement (as such term is
         defined in paragraph (c) of Rule 158 under the Act); and

                  (ix)     cause the Indenture to be qualified under the TIA not
         later than the effective date of the first Registration Statement
         required by this Agreement and, in connection therewith, cooperate with
         the Trustee and the Holders to effect such changes to the Indenture as
         may be required for such Indenture to be so qualified in accordance
         with the terms of the TIA; and execute and use its commercially
         reasonable efforts to cause the Trustee to execute, all documents that
         may be required to effect such changes and all other forms and
         documents required to be filed with the Commission to enable such
         Indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner.

         (d) Restrictions on Holders. Each Holder agrees by acquisition of a
Transfer Restricted Security that, upon receipt of the notice referred to in
Section 6(c)(iii)(y) or any notice from the Company of the existence of any fact
of the kind described in Section 6(c)(iii)(y)(B) hereof (in each case, a
"Suspension Notice"), such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of
Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the applicable Registration Statement
until (i) such Holder has received copies of the supplemented or amended
Prospectus contemplated by Section 6(c)(iv) hereof, or (ii) such Holder is
advised in writing by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed,
and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are
incorporated by reference in the Prospectus (in each case, the "Recommencement
Date"). Each Holder receiving a Suspension Notice hereby agrees that it will
either (i) destroy any Prospectuses, other than permanent file copies, then in
such Holder's possession which have been replaced by the Company with more
recently dated Prospectuses or (ii) deliver to the Company (at the Company's
expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies, then in such Holder's
possession of the Prospectus covering such Transfer Restricted Securities that
was current at the time of receipt of the Suspension Notice. The time period
regarding the effectiveness of such Registration Statement set forth in Section
3 or 4 hereof, as applicable, shall be extended by a number of days equal to the
number of days in the period from and

                                       13

<PAGE>

including the date of delivery of the Suspension Notice to the date of delivery
of the Recommencement Date.

Section 7. Registration Expenses.

         (a) All expenses incident to the Company's performance of or compliance
with this Agreement will be borne by the Company, regardless of whether a
Registration Statement becomes effective, including without limitation: (i) all
registration and filing fees and expenses; (ii) all fees and expenses of
compliance with federal securities and state Blue Sky or securities laws; (iii)
all expenses of printing (including printing certificates for the Exchange Notes
to be issued in the Exchange Offer and printing of Prospectuses), messenger and
delivery services and telephone; (iv) all fees and disbursements of counsel for
the Company and, subject to Section 7(b) below, for the Holders of Transfer
Restricted Securities; (v) all application and filing fees in connection with
listing the Exchange Notes on a national securities exchange or automated
quotation system pursuant to the requirements hereof; and (vi) all fees and
disbursements of independent certified public accountants of the Company and
(including the expenses of any special audit and comfort letters required by or
incident to such performance).

         The Company will, in any event, bear its internal expenses (including,
without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees
performing legal or accounting duties), the expenses of any annual audit and the
fees and expenses of any Person, including special experts, retained by the
Company.

         (b) In connection with any Registration Statement required by this
Agreement (including, without limitation, the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement and the Shelf Registration Statement), the Company will reimburse the
Initial Purchasers and the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities who are
tendering Initial Notes into in the Exchange Offer and/or selling or reselling
Initial Notes or Exchange Notes pursuant to the "Plan of Distribution" contained
in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf Registration
Statement, as applicable, for the reasonable fees and disbursements of not more
than one counsel, who shall be Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., unless another firm shall
be chosen by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Transfer
Restricted Securities for whose benefit such Registration Statement is being
prepared.

Section 8. Indemnification.

         (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Holder, its
directors, officers and each Person, if any, who controls such Holder (within
the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act), from
and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments
(including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses incurred in
connection with investigating or defending any matter, including any action that
could give rise to any such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments)
caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in any Registration Statement, preliminary prospectus or Prospectus
(or any amendment or supplement thereto) provided by the Company to any holder
or any prospective purchaser of Exchange Notes or registered Initial Notes, or
caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading,

                                       14

<PAGE>

except insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments are
caused by an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or
omission that is based upon information relating to any of the Holders furnished
in writing to the Company by any of the Holders.

         (b) Each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities agrees, severally and
not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its directors and
officers, and each person, if any, who controls (within the meaning of Section
15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) the Company to the same extent
as the foregoing indemnity from the Company set forth in section (a) above, but
only with reference to information relating to such Holder furnished in writing
to the Company by such Holder expressly for use in any Registration Statement.
In no event shall any Holder be liable or responsible for any amount in excess
of the amount by which the total amount received by such Holder with respect to
its sale of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement
exceeds (i) the amount paid by such Holder for such Transfer Restricted
Securities and (ii) the amount of any damages that such Holder has otherwise
been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or
omission or alleged omission.

         (c) In case any action shall be commenced involving any person in
respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 8(a) or 8(b) (the
"indemnified party"), the indemnified party shall promptly notify the person
against whom such indemnity may be sought (the "indemnifying person") in writing
and the indemnifying party shall assume the defense of such action, including
the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party and
the payment of all fees and expenses of such counsel, as incurred (except that
in the case of any action in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant
to both Sections 8(a) and 8(b), a Holder shall not be required to assume the
defense of such action pursuant to this Section 8(c), but may employ separate
counsel and participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of
such counsel, except as provided below, shall be at the expense of the Holder).
Any indemnified party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any
such action and participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of
such counsel shall be at the expense of the indemnified party unless (i) the
employment of such counsel shall have been specifically authorized in writing by
the indemnifying party, (ii) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume
the defense of such action or employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to the
indemnified party or (iii) the named parties to any such action (including any
impleaded parties) include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying
party, and the indemnified party shall have been advised by such counsel that
there may be one or more legal defenses available to it which are different from
or additional to those available to the indemnifying party (in which case the
indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action
on behalf of the indemnified party). In any such case, the indemnifying party
shall not, in connection with any one action or separate but substantially
similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same
general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the fees and expenses of
more than one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) for
all indemnified parties and all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as
they are incurred. Such firm shall be designated in writing by a majority of the
Holders, in the case of the parties indemnified pursuant to Section 8(a), and by
the Company, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 8(b). The
indemnifying party shall indemnify and hold harmless the indemnified party from
and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and judgments by
reason of any settlement of any action (i) effected with its written consent or
(ii) effected without its written consent if the

                                       15

<PAGE>

settlement is entered into more than twenty business days after the indemnifying
party shall have received a request from the indemnified party for reimbursement
for the fees and expenses of counsel (in any case where such fees and expenses
are at the expense of the indemnifying party) and, prior to the date of such
settlement, the indemnifying party shall have failed to comply with such
reimbursement request. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written
consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement or compromise of, or
consent to the entry of judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened
action in respect of which the indemnified party is or could have been a party
and indemnity or contribution may be or could have been sought hereunder by the
indemnified party, unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (i) includes
an unconditional release of the indemnified party from all liability on claims
that are or could have been the subject matter of such action and (ii) does not
include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to
act, by or on behalf of the indemnified party.

         (d) To the extent that the indemnification provided for in this Section
8 is unavailable to an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims,
damages, liabilities or judgments referred to therein, then each indemnifying
party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the
amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or judgments (i) in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on the one
hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, from their sale of Transfer Restricted
Securities or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause 8(d)(i) is not permitted
by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the
relative benefits referred to in clause 8(d)(i) above but also the relative
fault of the Company, on the one hand, and of the Holder, on the other hand, in
connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or judgments, as well as any other relevant
equitable considerations. The relative fault of the Company, on the one hand,
and of the Holder, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among
other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to
information supplied by the Company, on the one hand, or by the Holder, on the
other hand, and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information
and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The amount
paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages,
liabilities and judgments referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject
to the limitations set forth in the second paragraph of Section 8(a), any legal
or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with
investigating or defending any action or claim.

         The Company and each Holder agree that it would not be just and
equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8(d) were determined by pro
rata allocation (even if the Holders were treated as one entity for such
purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the
equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The
amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or judgments referred to in the immediately
preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set
forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified
party in connection with investigating or defending any matter, including any
action that could have given rise to such losses, claims, damages, liabilities
or judgments. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, no Holder, or
its directors, its officers or any Person, if any, who controls such Holder
shall be required to contribute, in the aggregate, any amount in excess of the
amount by which the total received by such Holder with

                                       16

<PAGE>

respect to the sale of its Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to a
Registration Statement exceeds the sum of (A) the amount paid by such Holder for
such Transfer Restricted Securities plus (B) the amount of any damages which
such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of
fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act)
shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation. The Holders' obligations to contribute pursuant to
this Section 8(c) are several in proportion to the respective principal amount
of Transfer Restricted Securities held by each Holder, hereunder and not joint.

Section 9. Rule 144A and Rule 144.

         The Company agrees with each Holder, for so long as any Transfer
Restricted Securities remain outstanding and during any period in which the
Company (i) is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, to make
available, upon request of any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities, to any
Holder or beneficial owner of Transfer Restricted Securities in connection with
any sale thereof and any prospective purchaser of such Transfer Restricted
Securities designated by such Holder or beneficial owner, the information
required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Act in order to permit resales of such
Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to Rule 144A, and (ii) is subject to
Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act, to make all filings required thereby
in a timely manner in order to permit resales of such Transfer Restricted
Securities pursuant to Rule 144.

Section 10. Miscellaneous.

         (a) Remedies. The Company acknowledges and agrees that any failure by
the Company to comply with its obligations under Sections 3 and 4 hereof may
result in material irreparable injury to the Initial Purchasers or the Holders
for which there is no adequate remedy at law, that it will not be possible to
measure damages for such injuries precisely and that, in the event of any such
failure, the Initial Purchasers or any Holder may obtain such relief as may be
required to specifically enforce the Company's obligations under Sections 3 and
4 hereof.

         (b) No Inconsistent Agreements. The Company will not, on or after the
date of this Agreement, enter into any agreement with respect to its securities
that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement or
otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof. The rights granted to the
Holders hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with
the rights granted to the holders of the Company's securities under any
agreement in effect on the date hereof.

         (c) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement may not be
amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to or departures from
the provisions hereof may not be given unless the Company has obtained the
written consent of Holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of
Transfer Restricted Securities (excluding Transfer Restricted Securities held by
the Company or its Affiliates). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or
consent to departure from the provisions hereof that relates exclusively to the
rights of Holders whose securities are being tendered pursuant to the Exchange
Offer and that does not affect directly or indirectly the rights of other
Holders whose securities are not being tendered

                                       17

<PAGE>

pursuant to such Exchange Offer may be given by the Holders of a majority of the
outstanding principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities subject to such
Exchange Offer.

         (d) Third Party Beneficiary. The Holders shall be third party
beneficiaries to the agreements made hereunder between the Company, on the one
hand, and the Initial Purchasers, on the other hand, and shall have the right to
enforce such agreements directly to the extent they may deem such enforcement
necessary or advisable to protect its rights or the rights of Holders hereunder.

         (e) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or
permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, first-class mail
(registered or certified, return receipt requested), telecopier, or air courier
guaranteeing overnight delivery:

                  (i)      if to a Holder, at the address set forth on the
         records of the Registrar under the Indenture, with a copy to the
         Registrar under the Indenture; and

                  (ii)     if to the Company:

                           The Houston Exploration Company
                           1100 Louisiana, Suite 2000
                           Houston, Texas 77002

                           Telecopier No.: (713) 830-6885
                           Attention: President

                           With a copy to:

                           Andrews & Kurth L.L.P.
                           600 Travis, Suite 4200
                           Houston, Texas 77002

                           Telecopier No.: (713) 220-4285
                           Attention: Gislar R. Donnenberg

         All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly
given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business
Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt
acknowledged, if telecopied; and on the next business day, if timely delivered
to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.

         Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be
concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee at the
address specified in the Indenture.

         (f) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit
of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties,
including without limitation and without the need for an express assignment,
subsequent Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities; provided, that nothing
herein shall be deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or other disposition
of Transfer Restricted Securities in violation of the terms hereof or of the
Purchase Agreement or the Indenture. If any transferee of any Holder shall
acquire Transfer Restricted

                                       18

<PAGE>

Securities in any manner, whether by operation of law or otherwise, such
Transfer Restricted Securities shall be held subject to all of the terms of this
Agreement, and by taking and holding such Transfer Restricted Securities such
Person shall be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to perform
all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement, including the restrictions on
resale set forth in this Agreement and, if applicable, the Purchase Agreement,
and such Person shall be entitled to receive the benefits hereof.

         (g) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which
when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

         (h) Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

         (i) Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

         (j) Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions
contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of
any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions
contained herein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.

         (k) Entire Agreement. This Agreement is intended by the parties as a
final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive
statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of
the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises,
warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein
with respect to the registration rights granted with respect to the Transfer
Restricted Securities. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.

                                       19

<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first written above.

                                               THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY

                                               By: /s/ W. G. Hargett
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                          William G. Hargett
                                                   President and Chief Executive

                                               WACHOVIA SECURITIES, LLC

                                               By: /s/ Jay M. Chernosky
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                           Jay M. Chernosky
                                                           Managing Director

                                               LEHMAN BROTHERS INC.

                                               By: /s/ Christopher Miller
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                         Christopher Miller
                                                       Senior Vice President

                                               BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES CORP.

                                               By: /s/ Douglas G. Cook
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                         Douglas G. Cook
                                                        Managing Director

                                               FLEET SECURITIES, INC.

                                               By: /s/ Christopher K. Wall
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                        Christopher K. Wall
                                                          Vice President

                                               SCOTIA CAPITAL (USA) INC.

                                               By: /s/ Thomas C. Adams
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                         Thomas C. Adams
                                                       Director-Fixed Income

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