<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.10
<SEQUENCE>9
<FILENAME>h83509a1ex23-10.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF JOHNSON RICE & CO., L.L.P.
<TEXT>

<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.10

                           JOHN RICE & COMPANY L.L.C.
                             INVESTMENT SECURITIES

                                 March 16, 2001

Board of Directors
Bellwether Exploration Company
1331 Lamar Street
Suite 1455
Houston, TX 77010-3039

Gentlemen:

     We consent to the use of our Fairness Opinion, incorporated herein by
reference, in the Proxy Statement Prospectus.

                                          Sincerely,

                                          /s/  JOHNSON RICE & COMPANY L.L.C.
                                               Johnson Rice & Company L.L.C.
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>