X0202 4 2004-09-20 0 0001015293 HOUSTON EXPLORATION CO THX 0001225312 CLARKE JOHN U 1201 LOUISIANA STREET, SUITE 306 HOUSTON TX 77002 1 0 0 0 common stock ($0.01 par value) 2004-09-20 4 A 0 2000 54.85 A 7000 D stock option (right to buy) 54.85 2004-09-20 4 A 0 2000 54.85 A 2004-09-20 2014-09-20 common stock 2000 4000 D Common shares are restricted from sale or transfer until fully vested. Restricted shares were granted to the Houston Exploration's Board of Directors on September 20, 2004 and pursuant to the Company's 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Grant price was $54.85 and equal to the closing price of Houston Exploration common stock on the NYSE on September 20, 2004. Shares fully vest and restrictions are terminated at the earlier of retirement from the Houston Exploration's Board of Directors or at the end of five years from the grant date. /s/ James F. Westmoreland Attorny-in-Fact 2004-09-23