X0201 42003-09-2200001015293HOUSTON EXPLORATION CO THX0001195164MCKESSY STEPHEN W40 HUNTING RIDGE LANEWILTONCT068971000stock option (right to buy)35.112003-09-224A0200035.11A2003-09-222013-09-22common stock20002000D/s/ Stephen W. McKessy2003-09-24