PATTERSON ENERGY INC
8-K, 1996-10-04
DRILLING OIL & GAS WELLS
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<PAGE>   1


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549


                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT


                     PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) September 27, 1996


                            PATTERSON ENERGY, INC.
        ---------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


        Delaware                        0-22664               75-2504748  
- ------------------------------    -------------------    ---------------------
(State or other jurisdiction          (Commission           (I.R.S. Employer
    of incorporation)                 File Number)          Identification No.)



4510 Lamesa Highway, Snyder, Texas                                    79549   
- -------------------------------------------                        -----------
(Address of principal executive offices)                           (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (915) 573-1104
                                                     --------------

                                   No Change
       ---------------------------------------------------------------
        (Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)


<PAGE>   2

ITEM 5.  OTHER EVENTS

         On September 27, 1996, Patterson Drilling Company ("Patterson
Drilling"), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Patterson Energy, Inc. ("Patterson
Energy" or the "Registrant"), entered into a loan agreement (the "Loan
Agreement") with The CIT Group/Equipment Financing, Inc., a New York
corporation ("CIT"), providing for a credit facility (the "Loan") of up to the
lesser of 68% of the collateral value or $22,000,000.  The Loan is
unconditionally guaranteed by Patterson Energy under the terms of a Guaranty
dated as of September 27, 1996.

         The Loan is a revolving loan until August 31, 1997 (the "Short-Term
Loan Period"), at which time (the "Long- Term Loan Conversion Date") the Loan
will be converted to a 60-month term loan.  No advances under the Loan may be
made after the Long-Term Loan Conversion Date. During the Short-Term Loan
Period, Patterson Drilling must repay all amounts outstanding under the Loan
Agreement monthly in arrears in installments of $50,000 plus accrued interest
through January 31, 1997, and installments of $100,000 plus accrued interest
thereafter until the Long Term Loan Conversion Date; and then, commencing on
that date, Patterson Drilling must pay principal and interest in monthly
installments in the amount necessary to amortize 75% of the balance of the Loan
outstanding on the Long-Term Conversion Date, with the final installment
payable on August 31, 2002 (the "Maturity Date"), to include a balloon amount
sufficient to discharge all accrued and unpaid interest, unpaid principal and
unpaid premiums, outstanding under the Loan Agreement and related secured
promissory note (the "Note").  Interest on the outstanding principal balance of
the Note is payable monthly in arrears at a rate of interest, computed on the
basis of a 365-day year and actual days elapsed, equal to the LIBOR Rate plus
2.75% or, if the LIBOR Rate becomes impracticable, the interest rate will be
the prime rate, from time to time, of The Chase Manhattan Bank, New York, New
York.  The Note is recourse and collateralized by the 40 drilling rigs, (the
"Rigs") currently owned by Patterson Drilling, plus related equipment, proceeds
thereof (including insurance and any drilling rigs and/or drilling equipment
acquired with the proceeds of the Loan.

         Patterson Drilling must make a mandatory prepayment of the outstanding
principal balance of the Loan in the event of the total loss of a rig.  The
Company may prepay the Loan in amounts not less than $500,000 with a premium of
2% for any prepayments during the first 24 months of the Loan, which, in the
aggregate, exceed three-fourths of the outstanding principal balance of the
Loan, with no prepayment penalty for prepayments during the first 24 months
which, in the aggregate, are less than three-fourths of the principal amount of
the Loan outstanding and for any prepayments made after the first 24 months.

         The Loan Agreement required the payment of a $20,000 commitment fee
and requires payment of a revolving loan fee of 0.25% per year on the unused
portion of the Loan during the Short-Term Loan Period.  The Loan Agreement
contains a number of representations, warranties and covenants of Patterson
Drilling and Patterson Energy, the breach of which, at the election of CIT
would accelerate the Maturity Date of the Loan.  The covenants of Patterson
Energy include (i) maintenance on a quarterly basis of a consolidated cash flow
coverage ratio of at least 2:1.0 (sum of the Registrant's net income on a
consolidated basis, plus depreciation, depletion and amortization, less
dividends paid and extraordinary items of income in the prior four quarters,
divided by the sum of the current portion of long-term debt and capitalized
lease obligations coming due in the following four quarters); (ii) maintenance
on a consolidated basis of tangible net worth of at least $36,000,000; and
(iii) maintenance on a consolidated basis of a ratio of total liabilities to
tangible net worth of not greater than 1.25:1.0. In addition, without the prior
written consent of CIT, Patterson




                                      2
<PAGE>   3

Energy cannot, among other matters, conduct any business not being conducted by
it on September 27, 1996, or liquidate, dissolve or merger into any other
entity or materially change its management.

         An aggregate of $11,574,187.46 is currently outstanding under the
Loan.  Any additional advances under the Loan may be used only for the purchase
of additional drilling rigs and related equipment.  The proceeds of the
outstanding principal balance were used to repay the indebtedness of Patterson
Energy to: (a) CIT under the Loan Agreement dated March 14, 1995, a total of
$7,730,497.55, and (b) U.S. Bancorp Leasing and Financial under the loan
agreement dated July 14, 1994, a total of $3,843,689.91.

ITEM 7.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

         C.      EXHIBITS

         99.1    Loan Agreement, dated as of September 27, 1996, among The CIT
                 Group/Equipment Financing, Inc., as Lender, Patterson Drilling
                 Company, as Borrower, and Patterson Energy, Inc.

         99.2    Secured Promissory Note of Patterson Drilling Company, dated
                 September 27, 1996.

         99.3    Security Agreement, dated as of September 27, 1996, between
                 Patterson Drilling Company and The CIT Group/Equipment 
                 Financing, Inc.

         99.4    Guaranty, dated as of September 27, 1996, by Patterson Energy
                 Inc., in favor of The CIT Group/Equipment Financing, Inc.

                                   SIGNATURE

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                              PATTERSON ENERGY, INC.


Date:  October 4, 1996                        /s/ James C. Brown        
                                              --------------------------
                                              James C. Brown
                                              Vice President-Finance




                                      3
<PAGE>   4


                                 EXHIBIT INDEX



    99.1     Loan Agreement, dated as of September 27, 1996, among The CIT
             Group/Equipment Financing, Inc., as Lender, Patterson Drilling
             Company, as Borrower, and Patterson Energy, Inc.

    99.2     Secured Promissory Note of Patterson Drilling Company, dated
             September 27, 1996.

    99.3     Security Agreement, dated as of September 27, 1996, between
             Patterson Drilling Company and The CIT Group/Equipment Financing,
             Inc.

    99.4     Guaranty, dated as of September 27, 1996, by Patterson Energy
             Inc., in favor of The CIT Group/Equipment Financing, Inc.






<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.1



                                 LOAN AGREEMENT

                                     AMONG

                    THE CIT GROUP/EQUIPMENT FINANCING, INC.,

                                               as Lender,


                          PATTERSON DRILLING COMPANY,

                                               as Borrower


                                      and

                            PATTERSON ENERGY, INC.,

                                               as Guarantor


                         Dated as of September 27, 1996

<PAGE>   2
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS



<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                    <C>
R E C I T A L S : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1

DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1

                                                        ARTICLE I.

THE LOAN  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4

                 Section 1.01 Amount  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
                 Section 1.02 Short-Term Loan Period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
                 Section 1.03 Long-Term Loan Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
                 Section 1.04 Interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6
                 Section 1.05 Payments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
                 Section 1.06 Prepayment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8
                          (a)     Mandatory Prepayment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8
                          (b)     Voluntary Prepayment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
                 Section 1.07 Security  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
                 Section 1.08 Commitment Fee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
                 Section 1.09 Short-Term Loan Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10

                                                       ARTICLE II.

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10

                 Section 2.01 Conditions Precedent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
                 Section 2.02 Conditions to Subsequent Advances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
                 Section 2.03 Waiver of Conditions Precedent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12

                                                       ARTICLE III.

REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13

                 Section 3.01 Representations of the Borrower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
                 Section 3.02 Covenants of the Borrower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
                 Section 3.03 Covenants of the Guarantor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19

                                                       ARTICLE IV.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
</TABLE>



                                     (i)
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                    <C>
                                                        ARTICLE V.

MISCELLANEOUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23

                 Section 5.01 Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23
                 Section 5.02 No Waiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
                 Section 5.03 Applicable Law and Jurisdiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
                 Section 5.04 Severability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
                 Section 5.05 Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Section 5.06 Assignment and Participation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Section 5.07 Costs, Expenses and Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Section 5.08 Counterparts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Section 5.09 Section Headings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Section 5.10 Merger  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26

Schedule 1 to Loan Agreement - DESCRIPTION OF RIGS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
</TABLE>

Exhibit A - Promissory Note

Exhibit B - Security Agreement

Exhibit C - Notice of Drawing

Exhibit D - Guaranty





                                      (ii)
<PAGE>   4
         THIS LOAN AGREEMENT dated as of September 27, 1996 among PATTERSON
DRILLING COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), PATTERSON ENERGY,
INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Guarantor"), and THE CIT GROUP/EQUIPMENT
FINANCING, INC., a New York corporation (the "Lender"). Capitalized terms used
herein and not otherwise defined herein are used with the meanings ascribed
thereto in the Definitions Section of this Agreement.

                               R E C I T A L S :

         1.  The Borrower is the owner or part owner of the forty (40) land
drilling rigs referred to in Schedule 1 attached hereto (each a "Rig" and
collectively, the "Rigs", which terms shall also include within the definition
thereof, for purposes of this Agreement, any drilling equipment, drill pipe and
related equipment, and additional drilling rigs and/or drilling equipment from
such time as any such rigs and/or equipment have been purchased with the
proceeds of the Loan).

         2.  The Borrower has requested a loan from the Lender in the principal
amount of up to Twenty-Two Million United States Dollars (USD 22,000,000) (as
more specifically described in Section 1.01 hereof, the "Loan") in order to (i)
facilitate the purchase of additional drilling rigs by the Borrower, and (ii)
refinance certain indebtedness of the Borrower and the Guarantor upon the terms
and conditions contained herein and in the Note.

         3.  The Loan shall be evidenced by a secured promissory note made by
the Borrower to the Lender (the "Note") substantially in form and substance of
Exhibit A annexed hereto and made a part hereof.

         4.  In order to secure its obligations hereunder and under the Note,
the Borrower has agreed to grant to the Lender a first priority security
interest in all of its right, title and interest in the Rigs and any additional
rigs or drilling equipment purchased with the proceeds of the Loan.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein
contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                  DEFINITIONS

         The following terms shall have the following meanings for all purposes
of this Agreement and shall be equally applicable to both the singular and the
plural forms of the terms herein defined.

         "Agreement", "this Agreement", "herein", "hereunder"' or other like
words mean this Loan Agreement as originally executed or as modified, amended
or supplemented from time to time pursuant to the provisions hereof.

<PAGE>   5
         "Advance" means a loan by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to
Section 1.01 of this Agreement.

         "Borrower" means Patterson Drilling Company and its successors and
permitted assigns.

         "Business Day" means a day other than a Saturday or a Sunday or a day
on which commercial banks are authorized to be closed in the State of New York
or the State of Texas.

         "Cash Flow Coverage Ratio" means the sum of the Guarantor's net income
on a consolidated basis, plus depletion, depreciation and amortization, plus
for the twelve (12) month period from July 1, 1996 through June 30, 1997 only,
the costs of acquiring Tucker Drilling Company of up to USD 1,600,000, less
dividends paid and extraordinary items of income (as determined in accordance
with generally accepted United States accounting principles) in the prior four
quarters; divided by the sum of the current portion of long term debt and
capitalized lease obligations coming due in the following four quarters.

         "Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(b) hereof.

         "Collateral Value" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.06(a)(iii)
hereof.

         "Dollars" or "USD" means lawful currency of the United States of
America.

         "Event of Default" has the meaning set forth in Article IV hereof.

         "Excluded Income Taxes" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.05(a)
hereof.

         "Fair Market Value" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.06(a)(iv)
hereof.

         "Governmental Agencies" means any government or any state, department
or other political subdivision thereof or governmental body, agency, authority,
department or commission having jurisdiction over the Borrower or its
properties (including without limitation any court or tribunal) exercising
executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or
pertaining to government and any corporation, partnership or other entity
directly or indirectly owned by the foregoing.

         "Guarantor" means Patterson Energy, Inc. and its successors and
permitted assigns.

         "Guaranty" means the Guaranty dated the date hereof by the Guarantor
in favor of the Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto.

         "Hazardous Substances" means petroleum and used oil, or any other
pollutant or contaminant, hazardous, dangerous or toxic (waste, substance or
material as defined in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 9601, et seq.
(hereinafter called "CERCLA"); the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 6901, et seq. (hereinafter called "RCRA"); the





                                       2
<PAGE>   6
Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 2601, et seq.
(hereinafter called "TSCA"); the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as
amended, 49 U.S.C. Sec. 1801, et seq. (hereinafter called "HMTA"); the Oil
Pollution Act of 1990, Pub.L. No. 101-380, 104 Stat. 484 (1990) (hereinafter
called "OPA"); or any other statute, law, ordinance, code or regulation of any
Governmental Agency relating to or imposing liability or standards of conduct
concerning the use, production, generation, treatment, storage, recycling,
handling, transportation, release, threatened release or disposal of any
hazardous, dangerous or toxic waste, substance or material, currently in effect
or at any time hereafter adopted.

         "Interest Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.04(b) hereof.

         "Interest Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.04(b) hereof.

         "LIBOR Rate" means with respect to any Interest Period, the one-month
rate of interest per annum at which deposits in U.S. dollars are offered to
major banks in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London
time), as reported by the Telerate System page 3750 (or such other page as may
replace such page 3750 on such system for the purpose of reporting London
Interbank Offered Rates of major banks) under the heading for British Bankers
Association Interest Settlement Rates in the column designated "USD" (U.S.
Dollar) two (2) Business Days before the first day of an Interest Period.

         "Loan" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.01 hereof.

         "Loan Documents" means the Note, this Loan Agreement, the Guaranty and
the Security Agreement.

         "Long-Term Loan Period" means the period of time beginning on the
Long-Term Loan Conversion Date and ending on the Maturity Date.

         "Long-Term Loan Conversion Date" means August 31, 1997.

         "Maturity Date" means August 31, 2002.

         "Note" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 3 of the Recitals
hereof.

         "Notice of Drawing" means the notice of drawing given by the Borrower
pursuant to Section 1.02(b), substantially in the form of Exhibit C attached
hereto.

         "Payment Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.04(a) hereof.

         "Prepayment Premium" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.06(b)
hereof.

         "Prime Rate" means with respect to any Interest Period, the rate
publicly announced in New York, New York from time to time as the prime rate of
The Chase Manhattan Bank, National Association (or any successor thereof)
("Chase").  The Prime Rate shall be determined





                                       3
<PAGE>   7
by the Lender at the close of business two (2) Business Days before the first
day of each Interest Period.  The Prime Rate is not intended to be the lowest
rate of interest charged by Chase in connection with extensions of credit to
debtors.

         "Responsible Officer" means, as to the Borrower or the Guarantor, its
chief executive officer, chief financial officer or any other officer having
principal responsibility for the financial affairs of such company.

         "Security Agreement" means the agreement between the Lender and the
Borrower creating a security interest in favor of the Lender in the Rigs and
related drilling equipment substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto.

         "Short-Term Loan Period" means the period of time beginning on the
Closing Date and ending on August 31, 1997.

         "Tangible Net Worth" means, at a particular date, the sum of the
Guarantor's capital stock (excluding treasury stock) and surplus (including
earned surplus, capital surplus and the balance of the current profit and loss
account not transferred to surplus) accounted on a consolidated basis appearing
on a consolidated balance sheet prepared in accordance with generally accepted
United States accounting principles as of the date of determination, excluding,
however, from the determination, all inter-company transactions and after
deducting therefrom the net book value of all assets (after deducting any
reserves applicable thereto) which would be treated as intangibles under
generally accepted United States accounting principles, including, without
limitation, such items as good will, trademarks, trade names, patents and
licenses, franchises and operating rights).

         "Taxes" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.05(a) of this
Agreement.

         "Total Liabilities" means indebtedness of the Guarantor on a
consolidated basis which would in accordance with generally accepted United
States accounting principles be classified as current and long term liabilities
of a corporation conducting a business the same as or similar to the Guarantor;
provided however, that all deferred charges shall be taken into account.

         "Total Loss" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.06(a) of this
Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE I.

                                    THE LOAN

         Section 1.01 Amount.  Subject to the terms and conditions of Section
2.01 of this Agreement, the Lender agrees to make Advances to the Borrower in
an aggregate principal amount equal to the lesser of (1) 68% of the Collateral
Value determined in accordance with Section 1.06(a)(iii) and as substantiated
by the appraisal to be delivered to the Lender pursuant to Section 2.01(n)
hereof and (2) USD 22,000,000 (the "Loan").





                                       4
<PAGE>   8
         Section 1.02 Short-Term Loan Period. (a) During the Short-Term Loan
Period, the Lender agrees to make Advances to the Borrower from time to time on
any Business Day in the aggregate not to exceed the amount of the Loan
available to the Borrower referred to in Section 1.01 hereof.  All Advances
shall be used by the Borrower for (i) the purchase of additional drilling rigs
and equipment, (ii) repayment of the Guarantor's indebtedness to the Lender,
and (iii) repayment of the Guarantor's indebtedness to U.S. Bancorp.  Each
Advance shall be in an amount of at least Five Hundred Thousand United States
Dollars (USD 500,000) and no more than one Advance shall be made by the Lender
during any thirty (30) calendar days.  At least seventy-five percent (75%) of
any Advance hereunder of USD 2,000,000 or greater must be used to purchase a
Rig, Rigs or related drilling equipment.

         (b)     The Borrower shall make a request for an Advance by sending to
the Lender a written Notice of Drawing not later than 11:00 a.m., New York
Time, three (3) Business Days prior to the date such Advance is requested
setting forth the date the Advance is required, the amount of the requested
Advance, and the bank account or accounts to which the Advance is to be
remitted. The first Notice of Drawing shall be received by the Lender no later
than three (3) Business Days immediately preceding the Closing Date. All
Notices of Drawing shall be irrevocable. As used in this Agreement, the term
"Closing Date" shall mean any Business Day occurring on or prior to September
27, 1996 which shall be the day on which the first Advance is to be made as
designated by the Borrower in its Notice of Drawing.

         (c)     During the Short-Term Loan Period, the Borrower shall repay
all amounts outstanding under this Agreement monthly in arrears in installments
of USD 50,000 plus accrued interest through January 31, 1997, and installments
of USD 100,000 plus accrued interest thereafter until the Long-Term Loan
Conversion Date.  Each such installment shall be paid on a Payment Date
commencing October 31, 1996.

         Section 1.03 Long-Term Loan Period. (a)  On the Long-Term Loan
Conversion Date, all amounts outstanding under the Loan will be converted to a
sixty (60) month term loan. During the Long-Term Loan Period, the Lender shall
make no further Advances to the Borrower hereunder.

         (b)     The Borrower shall repay the principal amount of the Note in
sixty (60) consecutive monthly installments, each such installment to be paid
by the Borrower to the Lender on a Payment Date commencing September 30, 1997
and ending on the Maturity Date.  The amount of principal to be repaid on each
Payment Date shall be the amount necessary to amortize (over sixty equal
monthly installments) seventy five percent (75%) of the balance of the Loan
outstanding on the Long-Term Loan Conversion Date, provided, however, that the
final installment shall include a balloon amount sufficient to discharge all
accrued and unpaid interest, unpaid principal and unpaid premium outstanding
under this Agreement and the Note.

         (c)     The Loan shall be evidenced by and repayable in accordance
with the terms hereof and of the Note.





                                       5
<PAGE>   9
         Section 1.04 Interest.

         (a)     The Borrower shall pay interest, in arrears, on the unpaid
principal amount of the Loan from the Closing Date until the principal amount
of the Loan is paid in full on the first day succeeding the last day of each
Interest Period up to and including the Maturity Date (each such date a
"Payment Date") at a rate of interest per annum (computed on the basis of a
365-day year and actual days elapsed) equal to the Interest Rate; provided,
however, that all interest accrued on the Loan and unpaid on the Maturity Date
shall be paid on the Maturity Date.

         (b)     The term "Interest Rate" shall mean, for an Interest Period
(as hereinafter defined), an interest rate per annum certified by the Lender to
be the LIBOR Rate, plus two and three quarters percent (2.75%). If at any time
the Lender shall determine that by reason of circumstances affecting the London
interbank market adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining
the Interest Rate based on the LIBOR Rate for the succeeding Interest Period or
the making or continuance of the Loan at an Interest Rate based on the LIBOR
Rate has become impracticable as a result of a contingency occurring after the
date of this Agreement which materially and adversely affects the London
interbank market, the Lender shall notify the Borrower that the Interest Rate
shall be the Prime Rate, plus one percent (1%). As used in this Agreement,
"Interest Period" shall mean each respective and successive monthly period
commencing on the Closing Date or the Payment Date in respect of the
immediately preceding Interest Period, as the case may be, provided, however,
that no Interest Period shall commence or extend past the Maturity Date.

         (c)     Any amount of principal or any other amount due hereunder
which is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or
otherwise, shall bear interest from the date when due until such amount is paid
in full, payable on demand, at a rate per annum equal at all times to two
percent (2%) above the Interest Rate.

         (d)     In no event shall any interest rate provided for in this
Agreement or the Note exceed the maximum rate permitted by the then applicable
law. It is the intention of the parties hereto to strictly comply with
applicable usury laws; accordingly, it is agreed that, notwithstanding any
provision to the contrary in this Agreement, in the Note, or in the other Loan
Documents, in no event shall this Agreement, the Note, or the other Loan
Documents be construed to charge, contract for or require the payment or permit
the collection of interest in excess of the maximum amount permitted by
applicable law. If any such excess interest is contracted for, charged or
received under this Agreement, the Note or the other Loan Documents, or in the
event that all of the principal balance shall be prepaid, so that under any of
such circumstances the amount of interest contracted for, charged or received
on the principal balance shall exceed the maximum amount of interest permitted
by applicable law, then in such event (i) the provisions of this Section
1.04(d) shall govern and control, (ii) neither the Borrower nor any other
person or entity now or hereafter liable for the payment thereof shall be
obligated to pay the amount of such interest to the extent that it is in excess
of the maximum amount of interest permitted by applicable law, (iii) any such
excess which may have been collected shall be either applied as a credit
against the then unpaid principal balance or refunded to the Borrower, at the
option of the Lender, and (iv) the effective rate of interest shall be





                                       6
<PAGE>   10
automatically reduced to the maximum lawful contract rate allowed under
applicable law as now or hereafter construed by the courts having jurisdiction
thereof. It is further agreed that without limitation of the foregoing, all
calculations of the rate of interest contracted for, charged or received under
this Agreement, the Note and the other Loan Documents which are made for the
purpose of determining whether such rate exceeds the maximum lawful contract
rate, shall be made, to the extent permitted by applicable law, by amortizing,
prorating, allocating and spreading in equal parts during the period of the
full stated term of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, all interest at any time
contracted for, charged or received from the Borrower or otherwise by the
Lender in connection with such indebtedness; provided, however, that if any
applicable state law is amended or the law of the United States of America
preempts any applicable state law, so that it becomes lawful for the Lender to
receive a greater simple interest per annum rate than is presently allowed, the
Borrower agrees that, on the effective date of such amendment or preemption as
the case may be, the lawful maximum hereunder shall be increased to the maximum
simple interest per annum rate allowed by the higher of the amended state law
or the law of the United States of America.

         Section 1.05 Payments.

         (a)     The payment obligations of the Borrower under the Note and all
other amounts payable under this Agreement to the Lender shall be paid to the
Lender at the address set forth for the Lender in Section 5.01 of this
Agreement or at such other place as the Lender may designate (not less than one
(1) Business Day prior to the due date therefor), not later than the close of
business on the due date thereof, in lawful money of the United States. All
payments shall be made (i) without set-off, counterclaim or condition and (ii)
free and clear of, and without deduction for or on account of, any present or
future taxes, levies, duties, imposts, charges, fees, deductions or
withholdings of any nature ("Taxes"), unless the Borrower is required by law or
regulation to make payment subject to any Taxes. In the event that the Borrower
is required by law or regulation to make any deduction or withholding on
account of any Taxes from any payment due under this Agreement, then: (a) the
Borrower shall notify the Lender promptly as soon as it becomes aware of such
requirement and shall remit promptly the amount of such Taxes to the
appropriate taxation authority, and in any event prior to the date on which
penalties attach thereto; and (b) such payment shall be increased by such
amount as may be necessary to ensure that the Lender receives a net amount,
free and clear of all Taxes, equal to the full amount which the Lender would
have received had such payment not been subject to such Taxes (other than
Excluded Income Taxes as such term is defined below). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Borrower shall not be liable for, or required to pay, any Taxes
which are overall income or franchise taxes imposed at any time on the Lender
in the United States of America or any state or local government or taxing
authority in any state in which the Lender conducts business ("Excluded Income
Taxes"). Each such payment or reimbursement by the Borrower shall be net of any
credit or the value of any deduction received by the Lender thereon to the
extent that the same can be determined by the Lender (as certified by the
Lender to the Borrower, such certificate to be conclusive absent manifest
error). The Borrower shall indemnify the Lender against any liability of the
Lender in respect of such Taxes and shall supply copies of applicable tax
receipts.





                                       7
<PAGE>   11
         (b)     If any payment to be made by the Borrower shall become due on
a day which is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next
succeeding Business Day.

         (c)     Each payment to be made on a Payment Date and all prepayments
and other payments shall be applied first to the payment of accrued and unpaid
interest on the Note, then to the payment of all other amounts due under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the balance shall be applied to the
payment of principal due under the Note.

         (d)     The Borrower shall indemnify the Lender on demand against all
costs, expenses, liabilities and losses (including funding losses) sustained or
incurred by the Lender as a result of or in connection with: (a) the occurrence
and/or continuance of any Event of Default (or event which, with the giving of
notice and/or lapse of time or other applicable condition might constitute an
Event of Default); and/or (b) any judgment or order which relates to any sum
due hereunder being expressed in a currency other than the currency expressed
to be due hereunder and as a result of a variation in rates of exchange between
the rate at which such amount is converted into such other currency for the
purposes of such judgment or order and the rate prevailing on the date of
actual payment of such amount pursuant thereto; and/or (c) any postponement of
the Closing Date or any Advance occurring because of one or more of the
conditions precedent set forth in Article II shall not have been satisfied or
waived; and/or (d) any payment of principal of or interest on the Note made on
a date which is not a Payment Date. The above indemnities are separate and
independent obligations of the Borrower and apply irrespective of any
indulgence granted by the Lender.

         Section 1.06 Prepayment.

         (a)     Mandatory Prepayment.

                 (i)      Total Loss.  If there shall have occurred a Total
         Loss as herein defined, on the earlier of (x) the date insurance
         proceeds are received or (y) seventy five (75) days after the date of
         occurrence of the Total Loss, the Borrower shall (A) prepay the
         outstanding principal balance under the Note in an amount equal to the
         outstanding principal amount of the Loan on the date of prepayment
         (without counting any amount being prepaid on such date), multiplied
         by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Fair Market Value of the
         lost Rig as most recently determined under Section 1.06(a)(iv) and the
         denominator of which is the Collateral Value most recently determined
         under Section 1.06(a)(iii) (including the lost Rig), and (B) pay
         accrued interest thereon to the date of such prepayment together with
         any other amount due hereunder or under any Loan Document.  The Lender
         shall apply payments received pursuant to this Section 1.06(a)(i) in
         accordance with Section 1.05(c) hereof, provided, however, that the
         principal repayments shall be applied so that the remaining
         installments of principal, if any, are reduced on a pro rata basis,
         such reduction to be confirmed by the Lender in a certificate
         delivered to the Borrower which certificate shall be conclusive absent
         manifest error. No Prepayment Premium shall be payable with respect to
         any Mandatory Prepayments made by the Borrower pursuant to this
         Section 1.06(a).





                                       8
<PAGE>   12
                 (ii)     "Total Loss" means in respect of a Rig (i) the actual
         or constructive or compromised or arranged total loss of such Rig; or
         (ii) the requisition for title or other compulsory acquisition of such
         Rig otherwise than by requisition for rental; or (iii) the seizure,
         attachment, detention or confiscation of such Rig by any government or
         by persons acting or purporting to act on behalf of any government
         unless such Rig is released from such seizure, attachment, detention
         or confiscation within thirty (30) days of the occurrence thereof.  A
         Total Loss shall be deemed to have occurred (a) in the event of an
         actual total loss of a Rig, on the date of such loss, (b) in the event
         of damage to a Rig which results in a constructive or compromised or
         arranged total loss of such Rig, on the date of the occurrence of the
         event giving rise to such damage, or (c) in the case of any event
         referred to in clauses (ii) or (iii) above, on the date of the
         occurrence of such event. In the event of any Total Loss or
         requisition of a Rig, the Borrower shall give written or telegraphic
         notice to the Lender not later than ten (10) days after a Responsible
         Officer of the Borrower has actual knowledge of such occurrence.

                 (iii)    Collateral Value. On or before the Closing Date and
         again on the Long-Term Loan Conversion Date, the Lender shall arrange
         to have the Fair Market Value of each of the Rigs determined at the
         Borrower's expense by an independent appraisal firm nominated by the
         Borrower from a list of three independent appraisal firms compiled by
         the Lender. Each such valuation shall be based on the Fair Market
         Value of each Rig and the oil field tubulars or drill pipe
         attributable to such Rig.  The aggregate of the most recent valuations
         of each Rig wholly owned by the Borrower is hereinafter referred to as
         the "Collateral Value".  If, on the Long-Term Loan Conversion Date,
         the outstanding principal amount of the Loan shall exceed sixty-eight
         percent (68%) of Collateral Value, then the Borrower shall either
         prepay within five days of Lender's demand the amount of the Loan
         necessary to restore the ratio referred to herein together with
         payment of accrued interest thereon and the Prepayment Premium or
         provide additional security for the Loan which shall be acceptable in
         the sole opinion of the Lender for these purposes. The Lender shall
         apply payments received under this Section 1.06(a)(iii) in accordance
         with Section 1.05(c) hereof, provided, however, that the principal
         repayments shall be applied so that the remaining installments of
         principal, if any, shall be reduced on a pro rata basis, such
         reduction to be confirmed by the Lender in a certificate delivered to
         the Borrower which certificate shall be conclusive absent manifest
         error.

                 (iv)     Fair Market Value.  The "Fair Market Value" of any
         Rig shall be the value determined by an independent appraisal firm
         chosen by the Borrower in accordance with clause (ii) above on the
         basis of an arms-length purchase by a willing buyer from a willing
         seller and without consideration of any drilling contract, or other
         rig employment contract.  The appraisal firm's valuation shall be made
         without physical inspection, unless otherwise required by the Lender.

         (b)     Voluntary Prepayment. (i) The Borrower may prepay in full or
in part in amounts of not less than USD 500,000, its indebtedness under the
Note on the next Payment Date after giving at least thirty (30) Business Days
prior notice of such prepayment.  During the first twenty-four (24) months,
prepayments which, in the aggregate, exceed three- fourths (3/4) of the amount
of the Loan outstanding shall include a premium (the "Prepayment Premium") in
an amount equal to two percent (2%) of the aggregate principal amount prepaid.
Prepayments made during the first twenty-four months which, in the aggregate,
are less than three-fourths (3/4) of the





                                       9
<PAGE>   13
amount of the Loan outstanding shall include a premium (the "Prepayment
Premium") in an amount equal to two percent (2%) of the aggregate principal
amount prepaid. Prepayments made during the first twenty-four months which, in
the aggregate, are less than three-fourths (3/4) of the amount of the Loan
outstanding shall include a Prepayment Premium in an amount equal to one-half
of one percent (0.5%) of the aggregate principal amount prepaid.  Any
prepayments made hereunder more than twenty-four (24) months after the Closing
Date shall not include a Prepayment Premium.

         (ii)    The Lender shall apply payments received pursuant to this
Section 1.06(b) in accordance with Section 1.05(c) hereof, provided, however,
that the principal repayments shall be applied so that the remaining
installments of principal, if any, shall be reduced on a pro rata basis, such
reduction to be confirmed by the Lender in a certificate delivered to the
Borrower which certificate shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

         Section 1.07 Security.  All amounts due hereunder and under the Note
shall be secured by the Security Agreement in form and substance satisfactory
to the Lender.

         Section 1.08 Commitment Fee.  The Borrower shall pay to the Lender a
commitment fee in an amount of USD 20,000 which Lender acknowledges has been
paid to the Lender before the Closing Date.

         Section 1.09 Short-Term Loan Fee.  The Borrower shall pay to the
Lender a short-term loan fee of one quarter of one percent (.25%) per annum on
the unused portion of the Loan during the Short-Term Loan Period, computed on
the difference between USD 22,000,000 and the average daily outstanding balance
of the Loan, payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each
calendar quarter, beginning December 31, 1996.

                                  ARTICLE II.

                              CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

         Section 2.01 Conditions Precedent.  The Lender's execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the making of the Loan is subject to the
following conditions having been satisfied in the opinion of the Lender on or
prior to the Closing Date:

         (a)     Each of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall have
been duly authorized and executed with original counterparts thereof delivered
to the Lender.

         (b)     The Borrower and Guarantor shall have delivered to Lender
evidence of good standing, certificates of incumbency and duly certified
resolutions of their respective Boards of Directors and all such other
corporate documentation authorizing each to enter into the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.





                                       10
<PAGE>   14
         (c)     The Lender shall have received opinions from Baker &
Hostetler, counsel to the Borrower and the Guarantor, and an opinion of its
special counsel, Gardere Wynne Sewell & Riggs, L.L.P., each in form and
substance satisfactory to the Lender.

         (d)     The representations and warranties contained in Article III of
this Agreement and in each other Loan Document shall be true on the Closing
Date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had
been made on and as of such date, and no Event of Default specified in Article
IV hereof and no event which, with the lapse of time or the notice and lapse of
time specified in Article IV hereof, would become such an Event of Default,
shall have occurred and be continuing or shall have occurred at the completion
of the making of the Loan, and the Lender shall have received satisfactory
certificates signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower or the Guarantor,
as to all questions of fact involved in this condition.

         (e)     The Lender shall have received, reviewed and accepted the
audited consolidated financial statements of the Guarantor dated as of the
period ending on December 31, 1995, prepared in accordance with generally
accepted United States accounting principles.

         (f)     There shall have been no material adverse change in the
business, financial condition or operations of the Borrower or the Guarantor
since December 31, 1995.

         (g)     The Lender shall have received evidence that the person
specified to act as agent for service of process for the Borrower, pursuant to
Section 5.03 has agreed to so act.

         (h)     The Lender shall have received a certificate of Borrower
signed by an officer in charge of environmental affairs and safety as to
compliance by the Borrower with all environmental, safety and public health
laws and regulations applicable to the Borrower, without limitation of the
foregoing, all other laws and regulations affecting or relating to the Rigs,
the non-compliance with which would have a material adverse effect on the
business, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of any thereof.

         (i)     The Lender shall have received evidence satisfactory to it
that the Borrower has good title to all of the Rigs, including, but not limited
to, the Rigs previously owned by the Guarantor and covered by the Security
Agreement dated as of March 14, 1995, as amended.

         (j)     The Borrower shall have provided evidence of insurance
maintained by the Borrower and approved by the Lender on the Rigs as required
by Article 5 of the Security Agreement.

         (k)     The Lender shall have received banking references respecting
the Borrower's affairs which, in the sole discretion of the Lender, are
satisfactory to the Lender.

         (l)     The Security Agreement shall have been duly executed and
delivered and shall create a first priority lien on the Rigs under the laws of
the State of Texas.





                                       11
<PAGE>   15
         (m)     Financing statements or other documents necessary to perfect
the Lender's security interests under the Security Agreement in the State of
Texas or any other relevant jurisdiction shall have been filed.

         (n)     The Lender shall have received a report appraising the Fair
Market Value and Collateral Value of the Rigs prepared by M.E.L. Valuations,
Inc. in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender.

         (o)     The Rigs shall not have been the subject of a Total Loss and
shall not have sustained any material damage to their condition since the date
of the inspection and survey reports therefor delivered to the Lender pursuant
to Section 2.01(n), or materially decreased in value from the value attributed
thereto as set forth in the appraisal report therefor delivered to the Lender
pursuant to Section 2.01(n).

         (p)     The Guarantor shall have executed and delivered to the Lender
all documents necessary to terminate the Loan Agreement and Security Agreement
dated as of March 14, 1995.

         (q)     The Lender shall have received such other documents and
instruments it may reasonably request, in each case in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to it.

         Section 2.02 Conditions to Subsequent Advances. The Lender's
obligation to make Advances subsequent to the first Advance is subject to the
following conditions having been satisfied in the opinion of the Lender on or
prior to the date of each such subsequent Advance:

         (a)     Certification by a Responsible Officer that no Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing.

         (b)     If the proceeds of any such subsequent Advance shall be used
by the Borrower for the acquisition of additional land drilling rigs and/or
drilling equipment, then due provision shall have been made for (i) the
Borrower becoming the legal owner of all right, title and interest in such
drilling rigs and/or drilling equipment, (ii) the Lender becoming the holder of
a perfected, first priority security interest in such drilling rigs and/or
drilling equipment, and (iii) insurance being placed on such drilling rigs
and/or drilling equipment as required by Section 5 of the Security Agreement.

         (c)     There shall not have occurred, in the sole judgment of the
Lender, a material adverse change in the business, financial condition or
operation of the Borrower or the Guarantor.
         Section 2.03 Waiver of Conditions Precedent.  All of the conditions
precedent contained in this Article II are for the sole benefit of the Lender
and the Lender may waive any or all of them in its absolute discretion.





                                       12
<PAGE>   16
                                  ARTICLE III.

                   REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS

         Section 3.01 Representations of the Borrower.  The Borrower represents
and warrants that:

         (a)     The Borrower is a corporation, duly organized and validly
existing, in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the
requisite power and authority (i) to carry on its business as presently
conducted, (ii) to enter into and perform its obligations under each Loan
Document to which it is a party, (iii) to borrow moneys, and (iv) to grant a
security interest on the Rigs and give the security provided in the Security
Agreement.

         (b)     The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of
each Loan Document, and any other instrument or agreement provided for by this
Agreement, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, do not
require stockholder approval other than such as has been duly obtained or
given, do not or will not contravene any of the terms of its articles of
incorporation or by-laws, and will not violate any provision of law or of any
order of any court or governmental agency or constitute (with or without notice
or lapse of time or both) a default under, or result (except as contemplated by
this Agreement) in the creation of any security interest, lien, charge or
encumbrance upon any of its properties or assets pursuant to, any agreement,
indenture or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it may be
bound; this Agreement and each Loan Document to which it is a party has been
duly executed and delivered by the Borrower and constitutes its legal, valid
and binding agreement or instrument, enforceable in accordance with the
respective terms thereof.

         (c)     There are no suits or proceedings pending or to its knowledge
threatened against or affecting the Borrower which if adversely determined
would have a material adverse effect upon its financial condition, operations
or business taken as a whole.

         (d)     The registered place of business of the Borrower is 4510
Lamesa Highway, Snyder, Texas 79550. The principal place of business of the
Borrower and the place where all records relating to the transactions
contemplated hereby, including records relating to the operations of the Rigs
are kept is 4510 Lamesa Highway, Snyder, Texas 79550.

         (e)     Other than such as have been obtained, no license, consent,
approval of or filing or registration with any Governmental Agency or other
regulatory authority is required for the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement or any Loan Document or any instrument contemplated herein or
therein.  The Borrower is the holder of all certificates and authorizations of
governmental authorities required by law to enable it to engage in the business
transacted by it.

         (f)     No part of the proceeds of the Loan will be used for any
purpose that violates the provisions of any of Regulation G, T, U or X of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any other regulation of
such Board of Governors. The Borrower is not engaged in the





                                       13
<PAGE>   17
business of extending credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying margin stock within the meaning of Regulations G, T, U and X of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. If requested by the Lender,
the Borrower will furnish to the Lender in connection with the Loan hereunder a
statement in conformity with the requirements of Federal Reserve Form U-1
referred to in said Regulation U. The Borrower is not an "investment company"
or a company "controlled" by an "investment company" (as each of such terms is
defined or used in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended). No proceeds
of the Loan will be used to acquire any security in any transaction which is
subject to Sections 13 and 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

         (g)     The Rigs are and will be on the Closing Date: (a) owned by the
Borrower, free and clear of all liens, charges and rights of others except as
provided in the Security Agreement; and (b) in good condition, working order
and repair.

         (h)     The Borrower has filed or caused to be filed all tax returns
required by any applicable jurisdiction which are required to be filed and has
paid or caused to be paid all taxes as shown on such returns or on any
assessment received by it to the extent that such taxes have become due and
except as to such taxes being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings for which adequate reserves are being maintained. The Borrower has
established reserves to the extent believed by it to be adequate for the
payment of additional taxes for years which have not been audited by the
respective tax authorities.

         (i)     The Borrower has no subsidiaries.  The Guarantor is the holder
of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Borrower.

         (j)     (i)      The Borrower has duly complied with, and the Rigs and
         its other properties and operations are in compliance with, the
         provisions of all applicable environmental, health and safety laws,
         codes and ordinances and all rules and regulations promulgated
         thereunder of all Governmental Agencies unless such compliance would
         violate the laws or regulations of the jurisdiction in which the Rigs
         are operating.

                 (ii)     As of the date of this Agreement, the Borrower has
         received no notice from any Governmental Agency, and has no knowledge,
         of any fact(s) which constitute a violation of any applicable
         environmental, health or safety laws, codes or ordinances, and any
         rules or regulations promulgated thereunder of all Governmental
         Agencies, which relate to the use or ownership of the Rigs or other
         properties owned or operated by the Borrower.

                 (iii)    The Borrower has been issued all required permits,
         licenses, certificates and approvals of all Governmental Agencies
         relating to (a) air emissions, (b) discharges to surface water or
         ground water, (c) noise emissions, (d) solid or liquid waste disposal,
         (e) the use, generation, storage, transportation, treatment, recycling
         or disposal of Hazardous Substances or (f) other environmental, health
         or safety matters which are material and necessary for the ownership
         or operation of the Rigs or other properties





                                       14
<PAGE>   18
         owned or operated by the Borrower and such permits, licenses,
         certificates and approvals are in full force and effect on the date of
         this Agreement.

                 (iv)     Except as disclosed to the Lender in writing, to the
         best of the Borrower's knowledge, except in accordance with a valid
         governmental permit, license, certificate or approval, there has been
         no spill or unauthorized discharge or release of any Hazardous
         Substance to the environment at, from, or as a result of any
         operations on the Rigs or other properties and operations owned or
         operated by the Borrower required to be reported to any Governmental
         Agency.

                 (v)      Except as disclosed to the Lender in writing, there
         has been no material complaint, compliance order, compliance schedule,
         notice letter, notice of citation or other similar notice from any
         applicable environmental agency which concerns the operations of the
         Rigs or other properties owned or operated by the Borrower.

         (k)     All representations and warranties made by the Borrower herein
or pursuant to any Loan Document or made in any certificate or written
statement delivered pursuant hereto or thereto (i) do not contain any untrue
statement of or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
contained herein or therein not misleading and (ii) shall survive the making of
the Loan hereunder and the execution and delivery to the Lender of the Note and
any other Loan Document.

         Section 3.02 Covenants of the Borrower.  After the date of execution
of this Agreement and until payment in full of the Note and performance by the
Borrower of its obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
the Borrower agrees that it will:

         (a)     promptly inform the Lender of any event which constitutes or
will constitute, by giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, an Event of
Default or adversely affect its ability to fully perform its obligations under
this Agreement and the Loan Documents to which it is a party;

         (b)     pay and discharge, or cause to be paid and discharged, any
taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies that may be imposed upon
the Borrower or upon its income or profits or upon any of its properties prior
to the date on which penalties attach thereto and all lawful claims which, if
unpaid, might become a lien or charge upon its properties; provided, however,
that this provision shall not be deemed to require payment of any taxes,
assessments, governmental charges, levies or claims while the Borrower contests
the validity thereof by appropriate proceedings in good faith and so long as it
shall have set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto;

         (c)     preserve and maintain, or cause to be preserved or maintained,
(i) its existence in good standing in the State of Delaware and in all
jurisdictions where it is currently conducting business, and (ii) all its
rights, privileges and franchises thereunder;





                                       15
<PAGE>   19
         (d)     file or cause to be filed in such offices as shall be required
or appropriate under any applicable Uniform Commercial Code of any State or any
other statute of any other jurisdiction, and in such manner and form as the
Lender may require or as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate under
applicable law, any financing statement or statements or other instruments that
may be reasonably necessary or desirable or that the Lender may request in
order to create, perfect, preserve, continue, validate or satisfy the Lender's
liens on and security interests and rights in collateral arising out of or
related to this Agreement and any Loan Document;

         (e)     promptly notify the Lender of any proposed change in its name
or its assumed name, location of its registered place of business or the office
where its records are kept or any principal place of business stated in Section
3.01(d) hereof;

         (f)     promptly obtain and upon the reasonable request, deliver to
the Lender all authorizations, approvals, consents and licenses and renewals
thereof required under any applicable law or regulation with respect to this
Agreement, the Loan Documents, and the Rigs and it shall comply with the terms
of the same;

         (g)     promptly notify the Lender of any suit or proceedings brought
against the Borrower or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against
or affecting it which, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse
effect upon the financial condition, operations or business of the Borrower
taken as a whole;

         (h)     upon the request of the Lender, give the Lender or any
representative of the Lender access during normal business hours to, and permit
the Lender or such representative to inspect, all properties belonging to the
Borrower and permit such representative to examine, copy and make extracts from
such books, records and documents in the possession of the Borrower, relating
to the affairs of the Borrower, as such representative may reasonably request.
If requested by the Borrower, the Lender will enter into the Lender's standard
confidentiality agreement respecting the affairs of the Borrower;

         (i)     comply with and use its best efforts to cause its agents,
contractors and sub-contractors (while such persons are acting within the scope
of their contractual relationship with the Borrower) to so comply with all
material, applicable environmental, health and safety laws, codes and
ordinances, and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder of all
Governmental Agencies; and with the terms and conditions of all applicable
permits, licenses, certificates and approvals of all Governmental Agencies now
or hereafter granted or obtained with respect to the Rigs or other properties
owned or operated by the Borrower unless such compliance would violate the laws
or regulations of the jurisdictions in which the Rigs are operating.

                 (i)      The Borrower will use its best efforts and safety
         practices to prevent the unauthorized release, discharge, disposal,
         escape or spill of Hazardous Substances on or about the Rigs or other
         properties owned or operated by the Borrower.





                                       16
<PAGE>   20
                 (ii)     The Borrower shall notify the Lender, in writing,
         within five (5) Business Days of any of the following events occurring
         after the date of this Agreement:

                          A.      Any written notification made by the Borrower
                 to any federal, state or local environmental agency required
                 under any federal, state or local environmental statute,
                 regulation or ordinance relating to a spill or unauthorized
                 discharge or release of any Hazardous Substance to the
                 environment at, from, or as a result of any operations on, the
                 Rigs or other properties and operations owned or operated by
                 the Borrower;

                          B.      Knowledge by a Responsible Officer of the
                 Borrower of receipt of service by the Borrower of any
                 complaint, compliance order, compliance schedule, notice
                 letter, notice of violation, citation or other similar notice
                 or any judicial demand by any court, federal, state or local
                 environmental agency, alleging (i) any spill, unauthorized
                 discharge or release of any Hazardous Substance to the
                 environment from, or as a result of the operations on, the
                 Rigs or other properties owned or operated by the Borrower or
                 (ii) violations of applicable laws, regulations or permits
                 regarding the generation, storage, handling, treatment,
                 transportation, recycling, release or disposal of Hazardous
                 Substances on or as a result of operations on the Rigs or
                 other properties and operations owned or operated by the
                 Borrower.

                          C.      It is understood by the parties hereto that
                 the aforementioned notices are solely for the Lender's
                 information, may not otherwise be required by any federal,
                 state or local environmental laws, regulations or ordinances,
                 and are to be considered confidential information by the
                 Lender.

                          D.      The term "environmental agency" as used
                 herein shall include, but not be limited to, the United States
                 Environmental Protection Agency, the Texas Railroad
                 Commission, the United States Minerals Management Service, the
                 United States Department of Transportation (in its
                 administration of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act,
                 49 U.S.C. Sec. 1801, et seq.) and other analogous or similar
                 Governmental Agencies regulating or administering statutes,
                 regulations or ordinances relating to or imposing liability or
                 standards of conduct concerning the generation, storage, use,
                 production, transportation, handling, treatment, recycling,
                 release or disposal of any Hazardous Substance.

                 (iii)    The Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify and hold the
         Lender harmless from and against any and all claims, losses,
         liability, damages and injuries of any kind whatsoever asserted
         against the Lender with respect to or as a direct result of the
         presence, escape, seepage, spillage, release, leaking, discharge or
         migration from any Rig or other properties owned or operated by the
         Borrower of any Hazardous Substance, including without limitation, any
         claims asserted or arising under any applicable environmental, health
         and safety laws, codes and ordinances, and all rules and





                                       17
<PAGE>   21
         regulations promulgated thereunder of all Governmental Agencies,
         regardless of whether or not caused by or within the control of the
         Borrower subject to the following:

                          A.      It is the parties' understanding that the
                 Lender does not now, has never and does not intend in the
                 future to exercise any operational control or maintenance over
                 the Rigs or any other properties and operations owned or
                 operated by the Borrower, nor has it in the past, presently,
                 or intend in the future to, maintain an ownership interest in
                 the Rigs or any other properties owned or operated by the
                 Borrower except as may arise upon enforcement of the Lender's
                 rights under the Security Agreement.

                          B.      Should, however, the Lender hereafter
                 exercise any ownership interest in or operational control over
                 the Rigs or any other properties owned or operated by the
                 Borrower, e.g., including but not limited to, through
                 foreclosure, then the above stated indemnity and hold harmless
                 shall be limited with respect to any actions or failures to
                 act by the Lender subsequent to exercising such interest or
                 operational control, to the extent such action or inaction by
                 the Lender is found by a court or Governmental Agency with
                 competent jurisdiction to have caused or made worse any
                 condition for which liability is asserted, including but not
                 limited to, the presence, escape, seepage, spillage, leaking,
                 discharge or migration on or from the Rigs or other properties
                 owned or operated by the Borrower of any Hazardous Substance.

                          C.      The indemnity and hold harmless contained in
                 this Subsection (i) shall not extend to the Lender in its
                 capacity as an equity investor in the Borrower or as an owner
                 of any property or interest as to which the Borrower is also
                 owner but only to its capacity as a lender, a holder of
                 security interests, or a beneficiary of security interests.

         (j)     not, without the prior written consent of the Lender, (i)
sell, transfer, lend, lease or otherwise dispose of the Rigs, the whole or, in
the opinion of the Lender, any substantial part of its business, property or
other assets, whether by a single transaction or by a series of transactions,
(related or not), (ii) materially change or permit to change the management or
ownership of the Borrower, (iii) commit any Rig to a drilling contract for a
period longer than twelve (12) months (including any committed extensions or
renewals) with an entity not an affiliate of Borrower; or (iv) transfer the
management or operation of its property, assets or business, or in the opinion
of the Lender, any substantial part of its property, assets or business to any
other person, firm or corporation.

         (k)     not, other than pursuant to or permitted by the Loan Documents
create, assume or permit to exist any encumbrance upon the Rigs, or any of its
property or assets described in the Security Agreement (whether now owned or
hereafter acquired);

         (l)     not, without the prior written consent of the Lender (which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld): (i) conduct or manage any business
or activity other than as presently





                                       18
<PAGE>   22
conducted or managed or as is contemplated by this Agreement and the Loan
Documents; or (ii) liquidate or dissolve or consolidate or amalgamate with, or
merge into, any other entity;

         (m)     not, without the prior written consent of the Lender repay any
stockholders' loan nor make any loans or advances to any other person (except
pursuant to operating agreements and then only in an aggregate amount not
exceeding USD 4,000,000 at any one time);

         (n)     forthwith upon demand by the Lender and at the Borrower's sole
cost and expense, execute and provide all such assurances and do all acts and
things as the Lender or any receiver in its absolute discretion may reasonably
require for: (i) perfecting or protecting the security created (or intended to
be created) by any of the Loan Documents, including, without limitation,
granting in favor of the Lender a security interest covering the security
created (or intended to be created) by any of the Loan Documents with respect
to any obligations of the Borrower hereafter owing to the Lender; or (ii)
preserving or protecting any of the rights of the Lender under any of the Loan
Documents; or (iii) facilitating the appropriation or realization of any of the
collateral assigned or granted to the Lender under any of the Loan Documents
and enforcing the security constituted by any of the Loan Documents on or at
any time after the same shall have become enforceable; or (iv) the exercise of
any power, authority or discretion vested in the Lender under any of the Loan
Documents;

         (o)     deliver to the Lender such financial or other information
relating to it, any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any
of the Loan Documents, as may be reasonably requested by the Lender;

         (p)     upon the request of the Lender, give the Lender or any
representative of the Lender at any reasonable time, access to the  Rigs and
permit the Lender or such representative to inspect the Rigs and any part
thereof, as the Lender or such representative may reasonably request;

         (q)     obtain an agreement in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Lender from any person retained by or for the benefit of
the Borrower relating to the management of the Rigs that any indebtedness
incurred by such person for the benefit of the Rigs and any fees and expenses
paid to such manager shall be subject and subordinate to the lien created by
the Security Agreement; and

         (r)     maintain all permits and certificates which are material and
necessary under all applicable environmental, safety and public health laws and
regulations applicable to the Borrower and the Rigs, and all other laws and
regulations affecting or relating to the Rigs.

         Section 3.03 Covenants of the Guarantor. After the date of execution
of this Agreement and until payment in full of the Note and performance by the
Guarantor of its obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
the Guarantor agrees that it will:





                                       19
<PAGE>   23
         (a)     promptly inform the Lender of any event which constitutes or
will constitute, by giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, an Event of
Default or adversely affect its ability to fully perform its obligations under
this Agreement and the Loan Documents to which it is a party;

         (b)     preserve and maintain, or cause to be preserved or maintained,
(i) its existence in good standing in the State of Delaware and in all
jurisdictions where it is currently conducting business, and (ii) all its
rights, privileges and franchises thereunder;

         (c)     not, without the prior written consent of the Lender, (i)
sell, transfer, lend, lease or otherwise dispose of the whole or, in the
opinion of the Lender, any substantial part of its business, property or other
assets, whether by a single transaction or by a series of transactions,
(related or not), or (ii) materially change the management of the Guarantor;

         (d)     not, without the prior written consent of the Lender (which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld): (i) conduct or manage any business
or activity other than as presently conducted or managed or as is contemplated
by this Agreement and the Loan Documents; or (ii) liquidate or dissolve or
consolidate or amalgamate with, or merge into, any other entity;

         (e)     not, without the prior written consent of the Lender repay any
stockholders' loan nor make any loans or advances to any other person (except
pursuant to operating agreements and then only in an aggregate amount not
exceeding USD 4,000,000 at any one time);

         (f)     deliver to the Lender such financial or other information
relating to it, any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any
of the Loan Documents, as may be reasonably requested by the Lender;

         (g)     deliver, or shall cause to be delivered, to the Lender at
least two copies and as many additional copies as the Lender may reasonably
require from time to time of, (i) its audited annual consolidated financial
statements (including the balance sheet and income statement of the Borrower),
in a form consistent with generally accepted United States accounting
principles and practices consistently applied, as soon as is practicable after
the same have been issued but in any case within one hundred twenty (120) days
of the end of its fiscal year certified by Coopers and Lybrand or other
auditors as may be acceptable to the Lender that the consolidated financial
statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
the Guarantor as of the date thereof, (ii) its quarterly consolidated and
consolidating financial statements (including the balance sheet and income
statement of the Borrower) in a form consistent with generally accepted United
States accounting principles and practices consistently applied, as soon as is
practicable after the end of each financial quarter but in any case within
sixty (60) days of the end of its financial quarter certified by one of its
Responsible Officers that the consolidated financial statements present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Guarantor and the
Borrower as of the date thereof, (iii) such financial or other information
relating to it, any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any
of the other Loan Documents, as may reasonably be requested by the Lender or
generally made available to its other creditors, its shareholders and to any
governmental authorities;





                                       20
<PAGE>   24
         (h)     maintain, on a quarterly basis, a consolidated Cash Flow
Coverage Ratio of at least 2.0:1.0;

         (i)     maintain, on a consolidated basis, Tangible Net Worth of at
least USD 36,000,000;

         (j)     maintain, on a consolidated basis, a ratio of Total
Liabilities to Tangible Net Worth not greater than 1.25:1.0;

         (k)     maintain and cause the Borrower to maintain all permits and
certificates which are material and necessary under all applicable
environmental, safety and public health laws and regulations applicable to the
Guarantor, the Borrower and the Rigs, and all other laws and regulations
affecting or relating to the Rigs; and

         (l)     deliver to the Lender, contemporaneously with the delivery to
the Lender of the annual and quarterly financial statements specified in
Section 3.03(g) above, its certificate (in form and substance satisfactory to
the Lender), signed by one of its Responsible Officers, (i) stating that such
officer has reviewed the relevant terms of this Agreement, the other Loan
Documents and all other agreements of the Guarantor and the Borrower which
evidence indebtedness for borrowed money, lease or other financial obligations
(the "Financial Obligation Agreements") and has made or caused to be made under
his supervision, a review of the transactions and condition of the Guarantor
and the Borrower during the relevant fiscal quarter or year, as the case may
be, and that such review has not disclosed the existence during such period,
nor does such Responsible Officer have knowledge of the existence as at the
date of such certificate, of any condition or event which constitutes an event
of default under any of the Loan Documents or Financial Obligation Agreements,
or which, after notice or lapse of time or both would constitute an event of
default under any of the Loan Documents or Financial Obligation Agreements, or
if any such condition or event existed or exists, specifying the nature and
period of existence thereof and what action the Guarantor or the Borrower has
taken or proposes to take with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth in form and
detail satisfactory to the Lender the calculations respecting compliance with
the financial covenants of this Agreement and (iii) for purposes of the annual
certificate only, attaching and certifying as true and correct a certificate
evidencing the insurance in place with respect to the Rigs and their operation
by the Borrower.


                                  ARTICLE IV.

                               EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         If any of the following events shall occur and be continuing, (each an
"Event of Default"):

         A.      the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of or interest on
the Note, which failure shall continue for five (5) days after the date when
due;





                                       21
<PAGE>   25
         B.      any representation or warranty made by either the Borrower or
the Guarantor herein or made in any certificate or financial statement
furnished to the Lender hereunder or under any of the Loan Documents shall
prove to have been incorrect in any material respect;

         C.      default in the performance of any agreement, covenant, term or
condition contained herein or in any Loan Document to be performed by the
Borrower or the Guarantor;

         D.      an event of default under any loan agreement, credit
agreement, security agreement, guaranty agreement, lease agreement or other
agreement now existing or hereafter entered into by the Borrower or the
Guarantor shall not have been remedied within any stated grace periods during
such time as USD 1,000,000 or more is outstanding under such agreement;

         E.      any license, consent or approval of any governmental body or
other regulatory authority required for the making and performance of this
Agreement or any instrument contemplated hereby or thereby shall have been
revoked, withdrawn, materially modified or withheld or shall otherwise fail to
remain in full force and effect;

         F.      Any of the following events shall occur:

                 (i)      the Borrower or the Guarantor commences a voluntary
         case under Title 11 of the United States Code as now or hereafter in
         effect, or any successor thereto (the "Bankruptcy Code"); or

                 (ii)     an involuntary case is commenced against the Borrower
         or the Guarantor under the Bankruptcy Code and relief is ordered
         against the Borrower or the Guarantor or the petition is controverted
         but is not dismissed or stayed within sixty (60) days after the
         commencement of the case; or

                 (iii)    a custodian (as defined in the Bankruptcy Code) or a
         similar official is appointed for, or takes charge of, all or
         substantially all of the property of the Borrower or the Guarantor and
         such appointment is not terminated within ninety (90) days; or

                 (iv)     the Borrower or the Guarantor commences any other
         proceeding under any reorganization, arrangement, readjustment of
         debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, insolvency, liquidation or
         similar law of any jurisdiction relating to the Borrower or the
         Guarantor (whether now or hereafter in effect), or there is commenced
         against the Borrower or the Guarantor any such proceeding which
         remains undismissed or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days or the
         Borrower or the Guarantor is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; or the
         Borrower or the Guarantor fails to controvert in a timely manner any
         such case under the Bankruptcy Code or any such proceeding, or any
         order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding
         is entered; or

                 (v)      the Borrower or the Guarantor by any act or failure
         to act indicates its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any
         such case or proceeding or in the appointment of any custodian of or
         for it or any substantial part of its property or suffers





                                       22
<PAGE>   26
         any such appointment to continue undischarged or unstayed for a period
         of sixty (60) days; or

                 (vi)     the Borrower or the Guarantor makes a general
         assignment for the benefit of creditors; or

                 (vii)    any corporate action is taken by either the Borrower
         or the Guarantor for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.

         G.      an order, judgment or decree shall be entered, without the
application, approval or consent of the Borrower or the Guarantor by any court
of competent jurisdiction, approving a petition seeking reorganization of the
Borrower or the Guarantor seizure or attachment of all or a substantial part of
the Borrower's or the Guarantor's assets, and such order, judgment or decree
shall continue unstayed and in effect for any period of sixty (60) consecutive
days; or

         H.      judgments or orders for the payment of monies in excess of USD
750,000 in aggregate shall be rendered against the Borrower or the Guarantor
and such judgments or orders shall continue unsatisfied, unstayed or unhanded
for a period of thirty (30) days;

then the Lender may by written notice to the Borrower (1) immediately terminate
the commitment of the Lender hereunder; (2) declare the principal of, and
interest accrued to the date of such declaration on, the Note together with all
other amounts due hereunder or under any of the Loan Documents, to be forthwith
due and payable, whereupon the same shall become forthwith due and payable
(provided, however, no notice or declaration shall be required and such amounts
shall be immediately due and payable upon the occurrence of an event described
in Article IV(F) or (G) hereof) and (3) exercise any remedies to which it may
be entitled by any Loan Document or by applicable law.

                                   ARTICLE V.

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

         Section 5.01 Notices. All notices, requests and demands shall be in
writing (including telecopier transmission) given to or made upon the
respective parties hereto as follows:

         In the case of the Borrower, at


                 4510 Lamesa Highway
                 Snyder, Texas 79550

                 Attention: Chief Financial Officer
                 Telecopier: (915) 573-0281


         In the case of the Guarantor, at





                                       23
<PAGE>   27


                 4510 Lamesa Highway
                 Snyder, Texas  79550

                 Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
                 Telecopier:  (915) 573-0281

         In the case of Lender, at

                 The CIT Group/Equipment Financing, Inc.
                 1211 Avenue of the Americas
                 New York, New York 10036

                 Attention:       (a)      Senior Vice President - Credit
                                                  Telecopier: (212) 536-1385

                                  (b)      Legal Department
                                                 Telecopier: (212) 536-1388

         with a copy to

                 The CIT Group/Equipment Financing, Inc.
                 300 South Grand Avenue, 3rd Floor
                 Los Angeles, CA 90071

                 Attention:       (a)      Vice President - Credit
                                                  Telecopier: (213) 628-7083

                                  (b)      Vice President - Legal
                                                  Telecopier: (213) 628-7083

or in such other manner as any party hereto shall designate by written notice
to the other parties hereto. All such notices shall be effective upon delivery
or 3 days after being deposited in the United States mail with postage prepaid
certified, return receipt requested in a correctly addressed wrapper, or upon
receipt if delivered to Federal Express or similar courier company or
transmitted by telefax during normal business hours, except that all notices,
requests and demands to the Lender shall not be effective until received by the
Lender. All notices, demands, requests, communications and other documents
delivered hereunder or under the Loan Documents, unless submitted in the
English language, shall be accompanied by certified English translation
thereof.

         Section 5.02 No Waiver. No failure on the part of the Lender to
exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a
waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Lender of any
right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise
of any other right.





                                       24
<PAGE>   28
         Section 5.03 Applicable Law and Jurisdiction. (a) THIS AGREEMENT AND
THE LOAN DOCUMENTS PROVIDED FOR HEREIN (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
VALIDITY AND ENFORCEABILITY HEREOF AND THEREOF) SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, OTHER THAN
CONFLICT OF LAWS RULES THEREOF. Any legal action or proceeding against the
Borrower or the Guarantor with respect to this Agreement or any Loan Document
may be brought in the courts of the State of New York, the U.S. Federal Courts
in such state, sitting in the County of New York, or in the courts of any other
jurisdiction where such action or proceeding may be properly brought, and the
Borrower and the Guarantor hereby irrevocably accept the jurisdiction of such
courts for the purpose of any action or proceeding. The Borrower and the
Guarantor hereby designate and irrevocably appoint and empower C T Corporation
System (the "Process Agent"), currently located at 1633 Broadway, New York, New
York 10019 in each case as its authorized agent to accept, receive and
acknowledge for and on behalf of each and its property service of any and all
process which may be served but only in any action, suit or proceeding of the
nature referred to above in the State of New York and further agree that
failure of such firm to give the Borrower or the Guarantor any notice of any
such service shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or of any
judgment rendered in any action or proceeding based thereon. The Borrower and
the Guarantor hereby irrevocably authorize and direct the Process Agent to
accept such service on its behalf. The Borrower and the Guarantor further
irrevocably consent to the service of process out of said courts by the mailing
thereof by the Lender by U.S. registered or certified mail postage prepaid to
the party to be served at its address designated in Section 5.01. The Borrower
and the Guarantor agree that a final judgment in any action or proceeding shall
be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction by suit on the
judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Section 5.03
shall affect the right of the Lender to serve legal process in any other manner
permitted by law or affect the right of the Lender to bring any action or
proceeding against the Borrower and the Guarantor or their respective
properties in the courts of any other jurisdiction. To the extent that the
Borrower or the Guarantor has or hereafter may acquire any immunity from
jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether through service of
notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution, execution
or otherwise) with respect to either itself or its property, the Borrower and
the Guarantor hereby irrevocably waive such immunity in respect of their
obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Borrower and
the Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any objection which they may now or
hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising
out of or relating to this Agreement or any Loan Document brought in the
Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York or the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York, and hereby further irrevocably
waive any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such
court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

         (b) THE LENDER, THE BORROWER AND THE GUARANTOR IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ALL
RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT
OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE NOTE OR THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS OR THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.





                                       25
<PAGE>   29
         Section 5.04 Severability.  In the event that any provision of this
Agreement is held to be void or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, all other
provisions shall remain unaffected and be enforceable in accordance with their
terms in such jurisdiction, and all provisions of this Agreement shall remain
unaffected and shall be enforceable in accordance with their terms in all other
jurisdictions.

         Section 5.05 Amendment.  Neither this Agreement nor any provision
hereof, including without limitation this Section 5.05, may be amended,
modified, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in
writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the amendment,
modification, waiver, discharge or termination is sought. This Agreement shall
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Guarantor and the
Lender, and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower
shall not have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein
without the prior written consent of the Lender.

         Section 5.06 Assignment and Participation.  The Lender shall have the
right, provided it complies with all applicable state and federal securities
laws, to assign or grant participations in all or any portion of the Loan
outstanding under this Agreement or the Note to any affiliate of the Lender or
to any foreign, federal or state banking institution, savings and loan
institution or finance company upon thirty (30) days written notice to the
Borrower of such assignment or participation.

         Section 5.07 Costs, Expenses and Taxes.  The Borrower agrees to pay on
demand all reasonable fees, costs and expenses in connection (i) with the
preparation, execution, delivery, administration, amendment and enforcement of
this Agreement, the Note, the other Loan Documents and any other documents to
be delivered hereunder and thereunder (including, without limitation, the
appraisal and inspection reports required hereunder) and any amendment,
modification or supplement hereto or thereto, including, without limitation,
the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of counsel for the Lender, and
any special counsel associated with them, and with respect thereto and the
filing of any document or instrument in connection with any of the foregoing,
(ii) with respect to reasonable fees and out of pocket expenses of counsel for
advising the Lender as to its rights and responsibilities under this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated thereby after an Event of Default or an event
which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, shall have
occurred, and (iii) with any filing or recording of any document or instrument.
In addition, the Borrower shall pay any and all stamp and other taxes
(including, without limitation penalties and interest assessed thereon) other
than Excluded Taxes payable or determined to be payable in connection with the
execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the Loan Documents and
any other documents to be delivered hereunder and thereunder and agrees to save
the Lender harmless from and against any and all liabilities with respect to or
resulting from any delay in paying or omission to pay such taxes.

         Section 5.08 Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or
more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of
which, when taken together, shall constitute but one instrument.





                                       26
<PAGE>   30
         Section 5.09 Section Headings.  The headings of the various Sections
and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and
shall not define or limit any of the terms or provisions hereof.

         Section 5.11 Merger.  THIS AGREEMENT AND THE LOAN DOCUMENTS EMBODY THE
ENTIRE AGREEMENT AMONG THE BORROWER AND THE GUARANTOR ON THE ONE HAND AND THE
LENDER ON THE OTHER HAND AND SUPERSEDE ALL PRIOR AGREEMENTS, REPRESENTATIONS
AND UNDERSTANDINGS, IF ANY, RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND THEREOF.

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


                                   PATTERSON DRILLING COMPANY
                                   
                                   By:    /s/ James C. Brown                  
                                      -----------------------------------------
                                   Name:  James C. Brown                       
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                   Title: Vice President-Finance               
                                         --------------------------------------
                                   
                                   
                                   PATTERSON ENERGY, INC.
                                   
                                   
                                   By:    /s/ James C. Brown                   
                                      -----------------------------------------
                                   Name:  James C. Brown                       
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                   Title: Vice President-Finance               
                                         --------------------------------------
                                   
                                   
                                   THE CIT GROUP/EQUIPMENT FINANCING,
                                    INC.
                                   
                                   
                                   By:    /s/ Joseph M. Pitch                  
                                      -----------------------------------------
                                   Name:  Joseph M. Pitch 
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                   Title: Vice President                       
                                         --------------------------------------






                                       27

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.2




                            SECURED PROMISSORY NOTE

USD 22,000,000                                                  October __, 1996

         The undersigned (the "Borrower") for value received, hereby promises
to pay to the order of THE CIT GROUP/EQUIPMENT FINANCING, INC. (the "Lender")
or any subsequent holder hereof the principal sum of Twenty-Two Million United
States Dollars (USD 22,000,000) or such lesser amount as may be loaned to the
Borrower pursuant to the Loan Agreement dated as of September 27, 1996 among
the Borrower, Patterson Energy, Inc. and the Lender (the "Loan Agreement").

                             PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST

         1.1     (a)      Interest on this Note shall be payable at the times
and the rates as provided in Section 1.04 of the Loan Agreement.

         (b)     Subject to the terms of Section 1.5 hereof, in case any
payment of principal or interest is not paid when due, additional interest at
the rate determined as provided in Section 1.04(c) of the Loan Agreement shall
be payable on all overdue principal and, to the extent that the same may be
lawful, on all overdue interest.

         1.2     Interest shall be calculated as provided in Section 1.04 of
the Loan Agreement.

         1.3     The principal of this Note shall be payable in installments as
provided in Sections 1.02(c) and 1.03(b) of the Loan Agreement.

         1.4     All principal, interest, premium, if any, and other amounts
due hereunder shall be payable in lawful money of the United States of America
to the Lender as provided in Section 1.05 of the Loan Agreement.

         1.5     In no event shall any interest rate provided for in this Note
exceed the maximum rate permitted by the then applicable law. It is the
intention of the Lender and the Borrower to strictly comply with applicable
usury laws; accordingly, it is agreed that, notwithstanding any provision to
the contrary in this Note, the Loan Agreement or in the other Loan Documents,
in no event shall this Note require the payment or permit the collection of
interest in excess of the maximum amount permitted by applicable law. If any
such excess interest is contracted for, charged or received under this Note, or
in the event that all of the principal balance shall be prepaid, so that under
any of such circumstances the amount of interest contracted for, charged or
received on the principal balance shall exceed the maximum amount of interest
permitted by applicable law, then in such event (i) the provisions of Section
1.04(d) of the Loan Agreement



                                                                     -----------
                                                                       Initials
<PAGE>   2
shall govern and control, (ii) neither the Borrower nor any other person or
entity now or hereafter liable for the payment thereof shall be obligated to
pay the amount of such interest to the extent that it is in excess of the
maximum amount of interest permitted by applicable law, (iii) any such excess
which may have been collected shall be either applied as a credit against the
then unpaid principal balance or refunded to the Borrower, at the option of the
Lender, and (iv) the effective rate of interest shall be automatically reduced
to the maximum lawful contract rate allowed under applicable law as now or
hereafter construed by the courts having jurisdiction thereof. Without
limitation of the foregoing, all calculations of the rate of interest
contracted for, charged or received under this Note which are made for the
purpose of determining whether such rate exceeds the maximum lawful contract
rate, shall be made, to the extent permitted by applicable law, by amortizing,
prorating, allocating and spreading in equal parts during the period of the
full stated term of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, all interest at any time
contracted for, charged or received from the Borrower or otherwise by the
Lender in connection with such indebtedness; provided, however, that if any
applicable state law is amended or the law of the United States of America
preempts any applicable state law, so that it becomes lawful for the Lender to
receive a greater simple interest per annum rate than is presently allowed, on
the effective date of such amendment or preemption as the case may be, the
lawful maximum hereunder shall be increased to the maximum simple interest per
annum rate allowed by the higher of the amended state law or the law of the
United States of America.

                                    SECURITY

         2.1     This Note is the secured promissory note issued under and
pursuant to the Loan Agreement and is secured by a Security Agreement dated the
date hereof between the Lender as secured party and the Borrower as debtor (the
"Security Agreement") respecting, among other things, forty (40) land drilling
rigs owned by the Borrower. Reference is hereby made to the Security Agreement
for a description of the property thereby encumbered, the nature and extent of
the security afforded thereby and the rights of the Borrower and the Lender
with respect to such security as provided in the Security Agreement. Payment of
this Note may be demanded prior to the maturity of this Note under certain
circumstances and conditions, in the manner, and with the effect, provided in
the Security Agreement or the Loan Agreement.

         2.2     This Note evidences Advances made by the Lender under Section
1.02 of the Loan Agreement.

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

         3.1     All parties hereto, including endorsers hereof, hereby waive
presentment for payment, demand, protest and notice of protest and non-payment
hereof and hereby consent that any and all securities or other property, if
any, held by or for the holders hereof at any time as security for this Note
may be exchanged, released or surrendered and that the time of payment of this
Note may be extended, all in the sole discretion of the holders hereof and
without notice and without affecting in any manner the liability of the parties
hereto.



                                                                     -----------
                                      2                                Initials
<PAGE>   3
         3.2     No course of dealing between the Borrower and the Lender in
exercising any rights hereunder shall operate as a waiver of any right of any
holders except to the extent expressly waived in writing by such holder.

         3.3     Whenever any payment to be made hereunder shall be due on a
day which is not a Business Day, such payments shall be made on the next
succeeding Business Day.

         3.4     Any notice to be given pursuant to this Note shall be given in
accordance with Section 5.01 of the Loan Agreement.

         3.5     THIS NOTE (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE VALIDITY AND
ENFORCEABILITY HEREOF) SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, OTHER THAN THE CONFLICT OF LAWS RULES
THEREOF.

         3.6     THE BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL
PROCEEDING TO WHICH IT IS A PARTY INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER
(WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF,
RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH THIS NOTE OR ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS.

         3.7     Capitalized terms used in this Note but not defined herein
shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Note to be duly
executed the day and year first above written.


                                               PATTERSON DRILLING COMPANY


                                               By:/s/ James C. Brown
                                                  -----------------------------
                                               Name:  James C. Brown  
                                                    ---------------------------
                                               Title: Vice President-Finance
                                                     --------------------------




                                      3

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.3





                               SECURITY AGREEMENT

                         dated as of September 27, 1996

                                    Between

                           PATTERSON DRILLING COMPANY

                                      and

                    THE CIT GROUP/EQUIPMENT FINANCING, INC.
<PAGE>   2
                                     INDEX



<TABLE>
<S>                                                                             <C>
DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1  
                                                                                   
     1.01. Certain Defined Terms  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1  
           ---------------------                                                   
     1.02. Terms Defined in Loan Agreement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2  
           -------------------------------                                         
                                                                                       
SECURITY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2  
                                                                                       
     2.01. The Rigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2  
           --------                                                                
     2.02. Continued Priority of Security Interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2  
           ---------------------------------------                                 
     2.03. Maintenance of Status of Security Interest . . . . . . . . . . . .   2  
           ------------------------------------------                              
     2.04. Evidence of Status of Security Interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2  
           ---------------------------------------                                 
     2.05. Authorized Action  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3  
           -----------------                                              
     2.06. The Debtor Remains Obligated: the Secured Party Not Obligated  . .   3
           -------------------------------------------------------------  
                                                                              

MAINTENANCE: USE AND OPERATION:
INSPECTION: IDENTIFICATION MARKS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3

     3.01. Maintenance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3
           -----------                                                    
     3.02. Use and Operation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3
           -----------------                                              
     3.03. Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3
           ----------                                                     
     3.04. Identification Marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3
           --------------------                                           

REPLACEMENT OF PARTS: ALTERATIONS,
MODIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4

     4.01. Replacement of Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
           --------------------                                           
     4.02. Alterations, Modifications and Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
           ----------------------------------------                       

INSURANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4

     5.01. Insurance Against Loss or Damage to Rigs . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
           ----------------------------------------                       
     5.02. Insurance Against Public Liability and Property Damage . . . . . .  5
           ------------------------------------------------------         
     5.03. Delivery of Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
           --------------------                                           
     5.04. Notice of Cancellation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
           ----------------------                                         
     5.05. No Act Impairing Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
           --------------------------                                     
     5.06. Proof of Loss  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
           -------------                                                  
     5.07. Insurances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
           ----------                                                     
     5.08. Payment to Secured Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
           ------------------------                                       
     5.09. Application of Proceeds  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
           -----------------------                                        
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
EVENT OF DEFAULT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7

         6.01. Event of Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
               ----------------                                               
         6.02. Application of Proceeds  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
               -----------------------                                        
         6.03. Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
               --------                                                       
         6.04. Power of Sale  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
               -------------                                                  
         6.05. Power of Attorney - Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
               ------------------------                                       
         6.06. Secured Party to Discharge Liens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
               --------------------------------                               
         6.07. Payment of Expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
               -------------------                                            
         6.08. Remedies Cumulative  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
               -------------------                                            
         6.09. Cure of Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
               ----------------                                               
         6.10. Discontinuance of Proceedings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
               -----------------------------                                  

MISCELLANEOUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

         7.01. Contracts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
               ---------                                                      
         7.02. Power of Attorney  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
               -----------------                                              
         7.03. Irrevocability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
               --------------                                                 
         7.04. Further Documents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
               -----------------                                              
         7.05. Notices  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
               -------                                                        
         7.06. Choice of Law  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
               -------------                                                  
         7.07. Severability of Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
               --------------------------                                     
</TABLE>                                                                  
<PAGE>   4
                               SECURITY AGREEMENT

         SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of September 27, 1996, between PATTERSON
DRILLING COMPANY, a Delaware corporation, its successors and assigns (the
"Debtor"), and THE CIT GROUP/EQUIPMENT FINANCING, INC., a New York corporation,
together with its successors and assigns (the "Secured Party").

                                R E C I T A L S

         WHEREAS, the Secured Party has agreed to loan to the Debtor up to USD
22,000,000 (the "Loan") to assist the Debtor with the refinancing of existing
debt and the purchase of additional drilling equipment pursuant to the Loan
Agreement dated the date hereof (the "Loan Agreement") between the Debtor and
the Secured Party; and

         WHEREAS, the Secured Party requires, as a condition to the Loan, that
the Debtor execute and deliver this Security Agreement to the Secured Party as
security for its obligations under the Loan Agreement.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises contained herein and
for other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree and covenant as follows:

                            ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS

         Section 1.01. Certain Defined Terms. For purposes of this Security
Agreement:

         (a)     "Insurances" shall mean: (i) all insurances in respect of the
                 Rigs whether now or hereafter to be effected and all renewals
                 of or replacements for the same, (ii) all claims and other
                 moneys and claims for moneys due and to become due under said
                 insurances and (iii) all other rights of the Debtor under or
                 in respect of said insurances.

         (b)     "Rigs" shall mean: (i) the forty (40) land drilling rigs as
                 more particularly described in Schedule 1 attached hereto,
                 (ii) all land drilling rigs and drilling equipment acquired
                 with the proceeds of the Loan, and (iii) all metal products,
                 machinery, equipment, materials or other goods of any
                 description whatsoever, used or acquired for use by the Debtor
                 or any other party using or operating the Rigs and all pumps,
                 drilling equipment, drill pipe, machinery, equipment,
                 supplies, parts and other goods of any description whatsoever
                 installed in or affixed to or to be used in connection with
                 any Rig (except the rig hauling trucks owned by the Debtor) or
                 acquired for installation on, affixation to, or use in
                 connection with any Rig.
<PAGE>   5
         Section 1.02. Terms Defined in Loan Agreement. All capitalized terms
used in this Security Agreement without definition are used as defined in the
Loan Agreement.

                              ARTICLE 2 - SECURITY

         Section 2.01. The Rigs. (a) In consideration of the Loan made pursuant
to the Loan Agreement and evidenced by the Note and by way of security for
payment of all amounts due thereunder and hereunder, the Debtor does hereby
sell, assign, transfer and set over unto, and grant a security interest in
favor of the Secured Party and unto the Secured Party's successors' and
assigns' for the Secured Party's own proper use and benefit, as security for
all amounts due and owing under the Loan Agreement and the Note, all of the
Debtor's right, title and interest in and to the Rigs, whether now owned or
hereafter acquired and wherever located, and including, without limitation, all
parts, additions, alterations or modifications thereto or replacements of any
part thereof, whenever made or performed or acquired, and all removed parts
until replaced, and any proceeds and products of the foregoing.

         (b)     The rights and equipment referred to in this Section 2.01 are
collectively referred to herein as the "Collateral".

         Section 2.02. Continued Priority of Security Interest. The Debtor
agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of the Secured
Party, create or suffer to exist any lien or security interest upon or in the
Collateral or any part thereof other than the lien and security interests
created hereby.

         Section 2.03. Maintenance of Status of Security Interest. The Debtor
shall take all action that may be necessary or desirable, or that the Secured
Party reasonably may request, so as at all times (a) to grant and perfect the
security interest in the Collateral intended to be granted hereby and to
maintain the validity, enforceability, perfection and priority of the security
interest in the Collateral, (b) to protect or preserve the security interest
created by this Security Agreement and (c) to protect, preserve, exercise or
enforce the rights of the Secured Party therein and hereunder and of the
Secured Party under the Loan Agreement and the Note, including but not limited
to (1) immediately discharging all security interests, liens, charges, claims
and encumbrances ("Liens") on the Collateral other than the security interest
and lien created or permitted hereby, (2) executing and delivering Uniform
Commercial Code financing statements, continuation statements, notices,
instructions and assignments, in each case in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Secured Party and not inconsistent with the terms hereof.
The Debtor shall mark its books and records as may be necessary or appropriate
to evidence, protect and perfect the security interest in the Collateral and
shall cause its financial statements to reflect such security interests.

         Section 2.04. Evidence of Status of Security Interest. The Debtor
shall from time to time upon request of the Secured Party promptly deliver to
the Secured Party such file search reports from such Uniform Commercial Code
and other filing and recording offices as may be applicable from time to time
as the Secured Party may reasonably designate in order to establish that the
perfection and priority of the interest granted hereby are maintained.





                                       2
<PAGE>   6
         Section 2.05. Authorized Action. The Secured Party is hereby
authorized to file one or more financing or continuation statements (including
statements of assignment and renewals thereof) or amendments thereto without
the signature of, or in the name of, the Debtor. A carbon, photographic or
other reproduction of this Security Agreement or of any financing statement
filed in connection with this Security Agreement shall be sufficient as a
financing statement.

         Section 2.06. The Debtor Remains Obligated: the Secured Party Not
Obligated. The grant by the Debtor to the Secured Party of the security
interest granted hereby shall not relieve the Debtor from the performance of
any term, covenant, condition or agreement on its part to be performed or
observed, or from any liability to any person, under or in respect of any of
the Collateral or impose any obligation on the Secured Party to perform or
observe any such term, covenant, condition or agreement on the Debtor's part to
be so performed or observed or impose any liability on the Secured Party for
any act or omission on the part of the Debtor relating thereto.

                  ARTICLE 3 - MAINTENANCE: USE AND OPERATION:
                        INSPECTION: IDENTIFICATION MARKS

         Section 3.01. Maintenance. The Debtor, at its sole cost and expense
(whether or not applicable insurance proceeds are adequate for the purpose),
shall (i) maintain and refurbish the Rigs, so as to keep them in good operating
condition, order and repair in the manner of other first class operators of
similar drilling rigs, and (ii) keep the Rigs in compliance with all applicable
laws, regulations and orders of any governmental authority having jurisdiction
with respect thereto.

         Section 3.02. Use and Operation. So long as no Event of Default shall
occur and be continuing, the Debtor shall have the full use of the Rigs;
provided, however, that the Debtor covenants and agrees that it will not permit
the Rigs to be incorporated or installed in or attached to any building or real
property in such manner as to become part of or subject to any Liens on such
building or real property or so as to preclude the removal thereof without
material injury to the Rigs (it being the intention of the parties that the
Rigs are, and shall be and remain, personal property throughout the term of the
Loan Agreement); and provided, further, that the Rigs shall not be used or
operated in any manner contrary to any applicable law, treaty or convention, or
any rule or regulation issued thereunder.

         Section 3.03. Inspection. The Debtor shall permit representatives of
the Secured Party at any reasonable time, on reasonable notice, to inspect the
Rigs, provided that any such inspection will not materially interfere with the
normal operation of the Rigs.

         Section 3.04. Identification Marks. The Debtor will cause each Rig to
be kept numbered with the identifying number therefor as set forth in Schedule
1 hereto. The Debtor will not change the identifying number of any Rig except
in accordance with a statement of new identifying number to be substituted
therefor, which statement previously shall have been filed with the Secured
Party.





                                       3
<PAGE>   7
                 ARTICLE 4 - REPLACEMENT OF PARTS: ALTERATIONS,
                          MODIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONS

         Section 4.01. Replacement of Parts. (a) The Debtor, at its sole cost
and expense, will as necessary promptly replace all parts on the Rigs which may
from time to time become worn out, lost, destroyed, seized, damaged beyond
repair or permanently rendered unfit for use for any reason whatsoever. All
parts at any time removed from the Rigs shall remain subject to the security
interest granted herein until such time as such parts shall be replaced by
parts which meet the requirements for replacement parts specified below. All
replacement parts incorporated or installed in or attached to any of the Rigs
as provided by this Section 4.01 shall, without necessity of further act,
become part of such Rig for all purposes hereof and subject to the security
interest granted herein.

         (b)     All replacement parts shall be free and clear of all Liens
(other than Liens created or permitted by the Loan Agreement) and shall be in
as good operating condition as, and shall have a value and utility at least
equal to the parts replaced, assuming such replaced part to be maintained in
accordance with the terms of this Security Agreement.

         Section 4.02. Alterations, Modifications and Additions. The Debtor, at
its sole expense, will make such alterations and modifications in and additions
to the Rigs as may be required from time to time by any relevant governmental
authority or as may be deemed necessary from time to time by the Debtor,
whether upon the recommendation of any manufacturer or otherwise, for the
purpose of the safe operation of the Rigs (any such alteration, modification or
addition as may be so required or so deemed necessary being herein called a
"Required Modification"). In addition, the Debtor, at its sole expense, may
from time to time make such other alterations and modifications in and
additions to the Rigs as the Debtor may deem desirable in the proper conduct of
its business (any such alteration, modification or addition as may be so deemed
desirable being herein called an "Optional Modification"); provided, however,
that (i) any Required Modification shall be expeditiously completed in a good
and workmanlike manner, in compliance with all legal requirements applicable
thereto, and (ii) no Optional Modification shall diminish the value or utility
of any Rig or impair the operating condition thereof below the value, utility
and operating condition thereof immediately prior to such Optional
Modification, assuming that such Rig was then of the value or utility and in
the operating condition required to be maintained by the terms of this Security
Agreement. All parts incorporated or installed in or attached to any Rig as a
result of any alteration, modification or addition which are not readily
removable without damage to such Rig shall, without necessity of further act,
become part of such Rig for all purposes hereof and subject to the security
interests granted herein.

                             ARTICLE 5 - INSURANCE

         Section 5.01. Insurance Against Loss or Damage to Rigs. The Debtor
covenants and agrees that it will, without cost to the Secured Party, maintain
or cause to be maintained in effect with respect to the Rigs throughout the
term of this Security Agreement with such underwriters against such risks and
with deductibles under the broadest policy forms currently available from time
to time and carried by prudent owners of similar equipment engaged in





                                       4
<PAGE>   8
similar drilling operations (at the time of issue of the policies in
question) and approved by the Secured Party in accordance with applicable law,
an all risk physical damage insurance policy insuring the Rigs against, among
other things, loss, damage or destruction thereof from fire, explosion,
windstorm, theft, breakage, and such other risks as the Debtor may deem
necessary or desirable in an amount in U.S. dollars equal to, except as
otherwise approved or required in writing by the Secured Party, the greater of
the full replacement cost of the Rigs or the outstanding balance of the Loan.
Each policy of insurance with respect to the Rigs shall provide that the
Secured Party shall be the sole loss payee without liability for the payment of
premiums. All insurance maintained under this Article 5 shall be primary
insurance without right of contribution against any other insurance maintained
by the Secured Party and shall contain provisions waiving underwriters' rights
of subrogation thereunder against the Secured Party and any assured named in
such policy and any assignee of the Secured Party and any assured.

         Section 5.02. Insurance Against Public Liability and Property Damage.
The Debtor covenants and agrees that it will, without cost to the Secured
Party, maintain or cause to be maintained in effect with respect to the Rigs
throughout the term of this Security Agreement with such underwriters and under
the broadest policy forms currently available from time to time and carried by
prudent owners of similar equipment engaged in similar drilling operations (at
the time of issue of the policies in question) and approved by the Secured
Party in accordance with applicable law, commercial general liability and
pollution liability insurance policies insuring against liabilities for any
injury to the person of others and any damage to the property of others arising
from such risks, with such reasonable deductibles (not in excess of USD 100,000
including any self-insurance) and in such amounts (but not less than a total
general liability coverage of USD 10,000,000). Any insurance policies
maintained in accordance with this Section 5.02 shall include the Secured Party
as an additional insured without liability for the payment of premiums. Each
such policy shall also include effective waivers by the insurer of all claims
for insurance premiums against the Secured Party. All provisions of the
liability insurance policies, except for the limits of liability, shall operate
in the same manner as if there were a separate policy of insurance covering
each insured. Furthermore, each such policy shall provide or be endorsed to
provide that violation of the terms, conditions or warranties of any policy of
insurance by the Debtor shall not invalidate any such insurance coverage
insofar as the interests of the Secured Party are concerned.

         Section 5.03. Delivery of Policies. The Debtor will deliver to the
Secured Party original cover notes and true and correct copies of all policies
and binders and all endorsements and riders amendatory thereof, evidencing
insurance required to be carried and maintained by this Article 5.  The Secured
Party shall not be responsible for any representations or warranties made to
the underwriters by the Debtor in connection with any policy of insurance
referred to herein.

         Section 5.04. Notice of Cancellation. At the Debtor's expense the
Debtor will cause the relevant insurance brokers to agree to, and the Debtor
hereby covenants and agrees that it will, advise the Secured Party of any
expiration, termination, nonrenewal, alteration or cancellation of any policy,
any default in the payment of any premium and of any other act or omission on
the part of the Debtor of which it has knowledge and which might invalidate or
render unenforceable, in whole or in part, any insurance on the Rigs. All
policies required hereby shall





                                       5
<PAGE>   9
provide for not less than thirty (30) days prior written notice to be
received by the Secured Party of the termination or cancellation of the
insurance evidenced thereby, unless such termination or cancellation is a
result of non-payment of premiums in which case ten (10) days prior written
notice shall be given to the Secured Party. The Debtor agrees that, unless the
Insurances by their terms provide that they cannot cease (by reason of
nonrenewal or otherwise) without the Secured Party being informed and having
the right to continue the insurance by paying any premiums not paid by the
Debtor, receipts showing payment of premiums for required insurance and also of
demands from underwriters shall be in the hands of the Secured Party at least
fourteen (14) days before the risk in question commences.

         Section 5.05. No Act Impairing Insurance. The Debtor will not do or
omit any act, nor voluntarily suffer or permit any act to be done or omitted,
whereby the Insurance required to be carried or maintained hereunder shall or
may be suspended, impaired or canceled, and will not use or operate, or permit
the Rigs to be used or operated for purposes more hazardous than permitted by
the terms of the insurance policies carried by the Debtor pursuant to this
Article 5, without having previously notified the Secured Party in writing and
insured the Rigs by additional coverage to extend to such uses, operations or
risks.

         Section 5.06. Proof of Loss. The Debtor will, at its own expense, make
or cause to be made all proofs of loss and take, or cause to be taken, all
other action necessary or appropriate to make collections from the underwriters
of insurance required to be carried and maintained by this Article 5.

         Section 5.07. Insurances. It is expressly agreed that anything herein
contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Debtor shall remain liable under
the Insurances referred to in Sections 5.01 and 5.02 above to perform all of
the obligations assumed by it thereunder and the Secured Party shall have no
obligation or liability under the Insurances by reason of or arising out of
this Security Agreement nor shall the Secured Party be required or obligated in
any manner to perform or fulfill any obligations of the Debtor under or
pursuant to the Insurances or to make any payment or to make any inquiry as to
the nature or sufficiency of any payment received by it or to present or file
any claim, or to take any other action to collect or enforce the payment of any
amounts which may have been assigned to it or to which it may be entitled
hereunder at any time or times.

         Section 5.08. Payment to Secured Party. Unless the Secured Party shall
otherwise agree, all amounts of whatsoever nature payable under any Insurances
must be payable to the Secured Party for distribution first to itself under
this Security Agreement and thereafter to the Debtor or others as their
interests may appear. Nevertheless, until an Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, (i) amounts payable under any insurance on the Rigs
with respect to public liability and property damage may be paid directly to
the Debtor to reimburse it for any loss, damage or expense incurred by it and
covered by such insurance or to the person to whom any liability covered by
such insurance has been incurred provided that the underwriter shall have first
received evidence that the liability insured against has been discharged, and
(ii) amounts payable under any Insurances with respect to the Rigs involving
any damage to the Rigs not constituting an actual or constructive total loss,
may be paid by underwriters directly for the





                                       6
<PAGE>   10
repair, salvage or other charges involved or, if the Debtor shall have first
fully repaired the damage or paid all of the salvage or other charges, may be
paid to the Debtor as reimbursement therefor; provided, however, that if such
amounts (including any franchise or deductible) are in excess of USD 100,000,
the underwriters shall not make such payment without first obtaining the
written consent of the Secured Party.

         Section 5.09. Application of Proceeds. All amounts paid to the Secured
Party in respect of any Insurance on the Rigs shall be disposed of as follows
(after deduction of the reasonable expenses of the Secured Party in collecting
such amounts):

         (i)     any amount which might have been paid at the time, in
accordance with the provisions of Sections 5.01 and 5.02 above, directly to the
Debtor or others shall be paid by the Secured Party to, or as directed by, the
Debtor to be applied toward the repair or replacement of the damaged Rigs; and

         (ii)    all amounts paid to the Secured Party in respect of an actual
or constructive total loss of the Rigs shall be applied by the Secured Party to
the payment of amounts due under the Loan Agreement pursuant to Section 1.05(c)
of the Loan Agreement.

                          ARTICLE 6 - EVENT OF DEFAULT

         Section 6.01. Event of Default. Event of Default hereunder shall have
the meaning set forth in Article IV of the Loan Agreement.

         Section 6.02. Application of Proceeds. Any sums recovered hereunder
after an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing shall be
applied as follows:

         First: To the payment of all reasonable expenses and charges,
including the expenses of any sale, the expenses of any retaking, attorney's
fees, court costs, and any other expenses or advances made or incurred by the
Secured Party in the protection of its rights or the pursuance of its remedies
hereunder;

         Second: To the payment of the amounts outstanding under the Loan
Agreement, the Note and this Security Agreement, whether due or not, including
interest thereon to the date of such payment and, if applicable, compensatory
interest to the date of such payment; and

         Third: To the payment of any surplus thereafter remaining to the
Debtor or to whomsoever may be entitled thereto.

         Section 6.03. Remedies. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance
of an Event of Default, the security interest created by this Security
Agreement shall become immediately enforceable and, without limitation, the
enforcement remedies specified can be exercised irrespective of whether or not
the Secured Party has exercised the right of acceleration under the Loan
Agreement and the Secured Party shall have the right to:





                                       7
<PAGE>   11
         (i)     Upon the declaration by the Secured Party that all the then
unpaid obligations of the Debtor under the Loan Agreement and the Note are due
and payable immediately, the same shall become and be immediately due and
payable (provided no declaration shall be required if an Event of Default shall
have occurred under Article IV (F) or (G) of the Loan Agreement).

         (ii)    Demand, sue for, collect or receive any money or property at
any time payable or receivable on account of or in exchange for, or make any
compromise or settlement deemed desirable with respect to, any of the
Collateral, but the Secured Party shall be under no obligation so to do, or the
Secured Party may extend the time of payment, arrange for payment in
installments or otherwise modify the terms of, or release any of the
Collateral, without hereby incurring responsibility to, or discharging or
otherwise affecting any liability of the Debtor. The Secured Party shall be
under no duty to protect, secure, perfect or insure the Collateral.

         (iii)   Require that all policies, contracts, certificates of entry
and other records relating to the Insurances (including details of and
correspondence concerning outstanding claims) be forthwith delivered to or to
the order of the Secured Party.

         (iv)    Collect, recover, compromise and give a good discharge for any
and all moneys and claims for moneys then outstanding or thereafter arising
under the Insurances and to permit any brokers through whom collection or
recovery is effected to charge the usual brokerage therefor.

         (v)     Require the Debtor to assemble the Collateral and all books
and records relating thereto and to make the same available to the Secured
Party at a location designated by the Secured Party.

         (vi)    The Secured Party shall have the rights and remedies with
respect to the Collateral of a secured party under the Texas Uniform Commercial
Code, whether or not such code is in effect in the jurisdiction where the
rights and remedies are then asserted and any other rights granted pursuant to
applicable law. In addition, the Secured Party is hereby granted the right to
sell or cause to be sold in Houston, Texas or elsewhere, in one or more sales
or parcels, at such price or prices as it may deem best and for cash or on
credit or for future delivery, without assumption of any credit risks, all or
any of the Collateral, at any broker's board or at public or private sale,
without demand of performance or notice of intention to sell, or of time or
place of sale (except ten (10) Business Days prior written notice to the Debtor
at the Debtor's address set forth in the Loan Agreement and the Debtor waives
all other notice of such sale), and the Secured Party may be the purchaser of
any or all the Collateral so sold and thereafter hold the same absolutely free
from any claim or right of whatsoever kind, including any right or equity or
redemption of Debtor, any such demand, notice, right or equity being hereby
expressly waived and released (to the extent permitted by applicable statute).
Debtor will pay to the Secured Party all expenses (including fees and
disbursements of counsel) of, or incidental to, the enforcement of any of the
provisions hereof or of any of the obligations of the Debtor, of any actual or
attempted sale, or any exchange, enforcement, collection, compromise or
settlement of any of the Collateral or receipt of the proceeds thereof and for
the care or preservation of the Collateral, including expenses of insurance;
and all such expenses shall be





                                       8
<PAGE>   12
obligations of the Debtor within the terms of this Security Agreement and the
Loan Agreement. All proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the
Collateral shall be held and applied by the Secured Party in the manner
provided for in Section 6.02 hereof. The Debtor agrees that any sale made in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.03 shall be deemed made in a
commercially reasonable manner insofar as it is concerned.

         (vii)   If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing
hereunder, the Debtor hereby appoints the Secured Party its true and lawful
attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, to enforce its rights under
any drilling contracts or leases concerning the Rigs, and to take any action
which the Secured Party may deem necessary or appropriate to protect and
preserve the security interest in the Rigs granted herein.

         Section 6.04. Power of Sale. Any sale of the Collateral made pursuant
to the terms of this Security Agreement, whether under the power of sale hereby
granted or any judicial proceedings, shall operate to divest all right, title
and interest of any nature whatsoever of the Debtor therein and thereto, and
shall bar the Debtor and all persons claiming by, through or under the Debtor.
No purchaser shall be bound to inquire whether notice has been given, or
whether any default has occurred, or as to the propriety of the sale, or as to
the application of the proceeds thereof. In case of any such sale, the Secured
Party, if it is the purchaser, shall be entitled, for the purpose of making
settlement or payment for the property purchased, to use and apply the
obligations of the Debtor under the Loan Agreement and the Note in order that
there may be credited against the amount remaining due and unpaid thereon the
sums payable out of the net proceeds of such sale to the Secured Party after
allowing for the costs and expense of sale and other charges. At any such sale,
the Secured Party may bid for and purchase such property and upon compliance
with the terms of sale may hold, retain and dispose of such property without
further accountability therefor.

         Section 6.05. Power of Attorney - Sale. The Secured Party is hereby
irrevocably appointed attorney-in-fact of the Debtor upon the happening and
during the continuance of any Event of Default to execute and deliver to any
purchaser aforesaid, and is hereby vested with full power and authority to
make, in the name and in behalf of the Debtor, a good conveyance of the title
to the Collateral so sold. Any person dealing with the Secured Party or its
attorney in-fact shall not be put on enquiry as to whether the power of
attorney contained herein has become exercisable. In the event of any sale of
any of the Collateral, under any power herein contained, the Debtor will, if
and when required by the Secured Party, execute such form of conveyance of the
Collateral as the Secured Party may direct or approve.

         Section 6.06. Secured Party to Discharge Liens. The Debtor authorizes
and empowers the Secured Party or its appointees or any of them to appear in
the name of the Debtor in any court of any country or nation of the world where
a suit is pending against any of the Collateral because of or on account of any
alleged lien against any of the Collateral from which the Collateral has not
been released and to take such reasonable steps towards the defense of such
suit and the purchase or discharge of such lien. All reasonable expenditures
made or incurred by them or any of them for the purpose of such defense or
purchase or discharge shall be a debt due from the Debtor to the Secured Party
and shall be secured by the lien of this Security





                                       9
<PAGE>   13
Agreement in like manner and extent as if the amount and description thereof
were written herein.

         Section 6.07. Payment of Expenses. The Debtor covenants that upon the
happening and during the continuance of any Event of Default, then, upon
written demand of the Secured Party, the Debtor will pay to the Secured Party
the whole amount due and payable in respect of the obligations of the Debtor
under the Loan Agreement and the Note; and in case the Debtor shall fail to pay
the same forthwith upon such demand, the Secured Party shall be entitled to
recover judgment for the whole amount so due and unpaid, together with such
further amounts as shall be sufficient to cover the reasonable compensation to
the Secured Party or its agents, attorneys and counsel and any necessary
advances, expenses and liabilities made or incurred by it or them hereunder.
All moneys collected by the Secured Party under this Section 6.07 shall be
applied in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.02 above.

         Section 6.08. Remedies Cumulative. Each and every power and remedy
herein given to the Secured Party shall be cumulative and shall be in addition
to every other power and remedy herein given or now or hereafter existing at
law, in equity or by statute, and each and every power and remedy whether
herein given or otherwise existing may be exercised from time to time and as
often and in such order as may be deemed expedient by the Secured Party, and
the exercise or the beginning of the exercise of any power or remedy shall not
be construed to be a waiver of the right to exercise at the same time or
thereafter any other power or remedy. The Secured Party shall not be required
or bound to enforce any other of its rights under any other agreement or
instrument securing the Loan prior to enforcing its rights under this Security
Agreement. No delay or omission by the Secured Party in the exercise of any
right or power or in the pursuance of any remedy accruing upon any Event of
Default shall impair any such right, power or remedy or be construed to be a
waiver of any such Event of Default or to be an acquiescence therein; nor shall
the acceptance by the Secured Party of any security or of any payment of or on
account of the obligations of the Debtor under the Loan Agreement or the Note
maturing after any Event of Default or of any payment on account of any past
default be construed to be a waiver of any right to exercise any remedies due
to any future Event of Default or of any past Event of Default not completely
cured thereby. No consent, waiver or approval of the Secured Party shall be
deemed to be effective unless in writing and duly signed by the Secured Party;
any waiver by the Secured Party of any of the terms of this Security Agreement
or any consent given under this Security Agreement shall only be effective for
the purpose and on the terms which it is given and shall be without prejudice
to the right to give or withhold consent in relation to future matters.

         Section 6.09. Cure of Defaults. If at any time after an Event of
Default and prior to the actual sale of any of the Collateral by the Secured
Party or prior to any enforcement or foreclosure proceedings the Debtor offers
completely to cure all Events of Default and to pay all expenses, advances and
damages to the Secured Party consequent on such Events of Default, with
interest at the interest rate set forth in Section 1.04(c) of the Loan
Agreement (but subject in all cases to the limitations set forth in Section
1.04(d) of the Loan Agreement), then the Secured Party may (but shall not be
obligated to) accept such offer and payment and restore the





                                       10
<PAGE>   14
Debtor to its former position, but such action, if taken, shall not affect any
subsequent Event of Default or impair any rights consequent thereon.

         Section 6.10. Discontinuance of Proceedings. In case the Secured Party
shall have proceeded to enforce any right, power or remedy under this Security
Agreement by foreclosure, entry or otherwise, and such proceedings shall have
been discontinued or abandoned for any reason or shall have been determined
adversely to the Secured Party, then and in every such case the Debtor and the
Secured Party shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder
with respect to the property subject or intended to be subject to this Security
Agreement, and all rights, remedies and powers of the Secured Party shall
continue as if no such proceedings had been taken.

                           ARTICLE 7 - MISCELLANEOUS

         Section 7.01. Contracts. It is expressly agreed that anything herein
contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Secured Party shall have no
obligation or liability under any drilling contract, lease or other contract
concerning the use or operation of the Rigs by reason of or arising out of this
Security Agreement nor shall the Secured Party be required or obligated in any
manner to perform or fulfill any obligations of the Debtor under or pursuant to
any drilling contract, lease or other contract concerning the use or operation
of the Rigs or to make any payment or to make any inquiry as to the nature or
sufficiency of any payment received by it or to present or file any claim, or
to take other action to collect or enforce the payment of any amounts which may
have been assigned to it or to which it may be entitled to hereunder at any
time or times.

         Section 7.02. Power of Attorney. The Debtor does hereby constitute the
Secured Party, its successors and assigns, the Debtor's true and lawful
attorney, irrevocably, with full power (in the name of the Debtor or
otherwise), if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, to
ask, require, demand, receive, compound and give acquittance for any and all
moneys, claims, property and rights hereby assigned, and claims for moneys due
and to become due under or arising out of the Collateral hereby assigned, to
endorse any checks or other instruments or orders in connection therewith and
to file any claims or to take any action or institute any proceedings which the
Secured Party may deem to be necessary or advisable in the premises.

         Section 7.03. Irrevocability. The powers and authority granted to the
Secured Party herein have been given for a valuable consideration and are
hereby declared to be irrevocable.

         Section 7.04. Further Documents. The Debtor agrees that at any time
and from time to time, upon the written request of the Secured Party, it will
promptly and duly execute and deliver any and all such further instruments and
documents as the Secured Party may reasonably deem desirable in obtaining the
full benefits of this Security Agreement and of the rights and powers herein
granted.





                                       11
<PAGE>   15
         Section 7.05. Notices. All notices or other communications which are
required to be made hereunder to the Debtor shall be made in the manner and to
the address for the Debtor provided in Section 5.01 of the Loan Agreement and
if to the Secured Party in the manner and to the address for the Secured Party
provided in Section 5.01 of the Loan Agreement.

         Section 7.06. Choice of Law. This Security Agreement shall be governed
by the internal laws of the State of Texas and may not be amended or changed
except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties hereto.

         Section 7.07. Severability of Provisions. Any provision of this
Security Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction
shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such
prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions
hereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any
other jurisdiction. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Debtor
hereby waives any provision of law that renders any provision hereof prohibited
or unenforceable in any respect.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Security
Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers all as of the date
noted above.

                                           PATTERSON DRILLING COMPANY

                                           By: /s/ James C. Brown             
                                              --------------------------------
                                           Name:   James C. Brown             
                                                ------------------------------
                                           Title:  Vice President-Finance     
                                                 -----------------------------

                                           THE CIT GROUP/EQUIPMENT
                                            FINANCING, INC.

                                           By:  /s/ Joseph M. Pitch           
                                              --------------------------------
                                           Name:    Joseph M. Pitch           
                                                ------------------------------
                                           Title:   Vice President            
                                                 -----------------------------





                                       12

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.4


                                    GUARANTY


         GUARANTY, dated as of September 27, 1996, made by PATTERSON ENERGY,
INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of
Delaware (the "Guarantor") in favor of THE CIT GROUP/EQUIPMENT FINANCING, INC.,
a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York
(the "Lender").

         WHEREAS, PATTERSON DRILLING COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the
"Borrower"), wishes to borrow funds in an aggregate amount up to USD 22,000,000
(the "Loan") from the Lender pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement dated
as of September 27, 1996 (as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise
modified from time to time, the "Loan Agreement") by and among the Borrower,
the Guarantor and the Lender; and

         WHEREAS, the Borrower is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guarantor
and it is to the corporate benefit of the Guarantor that the Borrower obtain
the Loan; and

         WHEREAS, the Loan will be evidenced by the promissory note of the
Borrower in favor of the Lender (as the same may be amended, supplemented as
otherwise modified from time to time, the "Note"); and

         WHEREAS, in order to induce the Lender to make the Loan, the Guarantor
is prepared to guarantee the performance by the Borrower of its obligations
under the Loan Agreement and the Note; and

         WHEREAS, the Lender is prepared to make the Loan in consideration,
among other things, of such guaranty by the Guarantor;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the Guarantor hereby
agrees as follows:

         SECTION 1.  Guaranty.  As independent and additional security for the
Loan, the Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the
payment by the Borrower of all amounts due and to become due from the Borrower
under the Loan Agreement and the Note (the "Obligations") and agrees to pay any
and all expenses incurred by the Lender in enforcing any of its respective
rights under this Guaranty.

         SECTION 2.  Guaranty Absolute.  (a)  The Guarantor hereby guarantees
that the Obligations will be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of the
Loan Agreement and the Note, regardless of any law, regulation or order now or
hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the
rights of the Lender with respect thereto.  The liability of the Guarantor
under this Guaranty shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of:
<PAGE>   2
                 (i)  any lack of validity or enforceability of the Loan
         Agreement, the Note or any other agreement or instrument entered into
         between the Borrower, the Lender or the Guarantor;

                 (ii)  any change in the time, manner or place of payment of,
         or in any other term of, all or any of the Obligations, or any other
         amendment or waiver of or any consent to departure from the Loan
         Agreement or the Note;

            (iii)  any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a
         defense available to, or a discharge of, the Borrower in respect of
         the Obligations or the Guarantor in respect of this Guaranty.

         (b)  This Guaranty shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as
the case may be, if at any time any payment of any of the Obligations is
rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Lender upon the insolvency,
bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower or otherwise, all as though such
payment had not been made.

         SECTION 3.  Waiver.  The Guarantor hereby waives promptness,
diligence, notice of acceptance and any other notice with respect to any of the
Obligations and this Guaranty and any requirement that the Lender or any other
person exhaust any right or take any action against the Borrower or any other
person or entity or any collateral.  This is a guaranty of payment and not of
collection only.

         SECTION 4.  Subrogation.  The Guarantor will not exercise any rights
which it may acquire by way of subrogation under this Guaranty, by any payment
made hereunder or otherwise, until all the Obligations shall have been paid in
full.  If any amount shall be paid to the Guarantor on account of such
subrogation rights at any time when all the Obligations shall not have been
paid in full, such amount shall be forthwith paid to the Lender to be credited
and applied against the Obligations.  If (i) the Guarantor shall make payment
to the Lender, of all or any part of the Obligations and (ii) all the
Obligations shall be paid in full, the Lender will, at the Guarantor's request,
execute and deliver to the Guarantor appropriate documents, without recourse
and without representation or warranty, transferring to the Guarantor any and
all rights the Lender, may have against the Borrower or necessary to evidence
the transfer by subrogation to the Guarantor of any interest in the Obligations
resulting from such payment by the Guarantor.

         SECTION 5.  Payments Free and Clear of Taxes, Etc.  (a)  All sums
payable by the Guarantor under this Guaranty, whether of principal, interest,
fees or otherwise, shall be paid in full without set-off or counterclaim and in
such amounts as may be necessary in order that





                                       2
<PAGE>   3
all such payments (after deduction or withholding for or on account of any
present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties or other charges of whatsoever
nature imposed by any Governmental Agency or taxing authority thereof, other
than any tax or fee on or measured by the net income of the Lender;
collectively the "Taxes") shall not be less than the amounts otherwise
specified to be paid under this Guaranty.

         (b)  A certificate as to any additional amounts payable to the Lender
under this Section 5 submitted to the Guarantor by the Lender shall show in
reasonable detail the amount payable and the calculations used to determine in
good faith such amount and shall be deemed prima facie correct.

         (c)  With respect to each deduction or withholding for or on account
of any Taxes, the Guarantor shall promptly furnish to the Lender such
certificates, receipts and other documents as may be required (in the
reasonable judgment of the Lender) to establish any income tax credit to which
any of the Lender may be entitled.

         SECTION 6.  APPLICABLE LAW AND JURISDICTION.  THIS GUARANTY
(INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE VALIDITY AND ENFORCEABILITY HEREOF) SHALL
BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK, OTHER THAN CONFLICT OF LAWS RULES THEREOF.  ANY LEGAL ACTION OR
PROCEEDING AGAINST THE GUARANTOR WITH RESPECT TO THIS GUARANTY MAY BE BROUGHT
IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, THE U.S. FEDERAL COURTS IN SUCH STATE,
SITTING IN THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK, OR IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION
WHERE SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE PROPERLY BROUGHT.

         SECTION 7.  Representations and Warranties.  The Guarantor hereby
represents and warrants as follows:

         (a)  It is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, duly qualified to do
business wherever its business or ownership of property requires it to be so
qualified.

         (b)  The execution, delivery and performance by the Guarantor of this
Guaranty and any other documents contemplated herein and the completion of all
other transactions herein contemplated are within the Guarantor's corporate
authority, are in furtherance of its corporate purposes, have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action and will not contravene any
applicable law or regulation nor violate the Guarantor's Articles of
Incorporation or By-Laws nor any agreement binding on the Guarantor nor any
applicable law or regulation or order or decree of any governmental authority
or agency of the State of Texas, the United States of America or the State of
New York.

         (c)  This Guaranty is supported by adequate and sufficient
consideration, has been validly





                                       3
<PAGE>   4
signed on behalf of the Guarantor and represents the valid and binding
obligation of the Guarantor, enforceable in accordance with its terms and will
not result in the Guarantor's liabilities (including the maximum amount of
liabilities that may be reasonably expected to result from all contingent
liabilities and giving effect to rights of contribution and subrogation)
exceeding the fair market value of its assets.  The enforceability of this
Guaranty, however, is subject to all applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and other laws affecting the rights of creditors
generally and to general equity principles.

         (d)  The legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility of this
Guaranty are not subject to or conditional upon this Guaranty being filed,
recorded or enrolled with any governmental authority or agency or stamped with
any stamp, duty or similar transaction tax of the State of Texas, the United
States of America or the State of New York.

         (e)  There are no pending, or to the best of the Guarantor's
knowledge, any threatened actions or proceedings affecting the Guarantor or any
of the Guarantor's subsidiaries before any court, governmental agency or
arbitrator in any country, which may materially adversely affect the financial
condition or operations of the Guarantor.

         SECTION 8.  The Loan Agreement and the Note.  The Guarantor hereby
acknowledges receipt of the Loan Agreement and the Note in execution form and
hereby consents and agrees to the Loan Agreement and the Note and to all the
terms and provisions thereof.

         SECTION 9.  Amendments, Etc.  No amendment or waiver of any provision
of this Guaranty nor consent to any departure by the Guarantor therefrom shall
in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the
Lender, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific
instance and for the specific purpose for which given.

         SECTION 10.  Notices.  All notices, requests, consents, demands and
other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made as
required in Section 5.01 of the Loan Agreement.

         SECTION 11.  No Waiver; Remedies.  No failure on the part of the
Lender to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall
operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any
right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise
of any other right.  The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not
exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

         SECTION 12.  Continuing Guaranty.  This Guaranty is a continuing
guaranty and shall (i) remain in full force and effect until payment in full of
the Obligations and payment in full of all other amounts due under this
Guaranty, (ii) be binding upon the Guarantor, its successors or assigns, as the
case may be, and (iii) inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Lender
and its respective successors, transferees and assigns, provided, however, that
the Guarantor may not transfer this Guaranty or any part of it without the
prior written consent of the Lender.

         SECTION 13.  Capitalized Terms.  All capitalized terms used in this
Guaranty which are not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in
the Loan Agreement.





                                       4
<PAGE>   5
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Guarantor has duly executed and delivered this
Guaranty, as of the date first above written.


                                           PATTERSON ENERGY, INC.


                                           By:  /s/ James C. Brown            
                                              --------------------------------
                                           Name:    James C. Brown            
                                                ------------------------------
                                           Title:   Vice President-Finance    
                                                 -----------------------------



ACCEPTED:

THE CIT GROUP/EQUIPMENT FINANCING, INC.


By:   /s/ Joseph M. Pitch                     
    ----------------------------------------
Name:     Joseph M. Pitch                     
     ---------------------------------------
Title:    Vice President                      
      --------------------------------------





                                       5


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