Notwithstanding their concurrence in parliament, the earl of Melvil procured a small majority.

The opposition was immediately discouraged: some individuals retracted, rather than fall with a sinking cause; and mutual jealousies began to prevail.

The leaders of the coalition treated separately with king James; made inconsistent demands; reciprocally concealed their negotiations; in a word, they distrusted and hated one another with the most implacable resentment.
THE COURT INTEREST PREVAILS.
The earls of Argyle, Annandale, and Breadalbane, withdrew from their councils and repaired to England.

Montgomery, terrified at their defection, went privately to London, after he had hinted something of the plot to Melvil, and solicited a pass from the queen, which was refused.

Annandale, having received information that Montgomery had disclosed all the particulars of the negotiation, threw himself upon the queen's mercy, and discovered all he knew of the conspiracy.