How did Giles Corey and Francis Nurse try to save their wives?

In Act 3 of "The Crucible," by Arthur Miller, both Giles Corey and Francis Nurse try to save their wives from being convicted of witchcraft.

Both Corey and Nurse go along with John Proctor, whose wife has also been accused, to the court.  With them, they take a petition that has been signed by ninety one members of the community.  All ninety one declare their "good opinion" of the three women.

However, it's no use. Instead of taking the petition as evidence of the women's innocence, Danforth, Parris, and Hathorne use it as evidence that the ninety one are trying to overthrow the court.  All the signers will be brought in for questioning.

I should also mention that Corey accuses Putnam of accusing people for his own gain and Nurse argues that the girls led by Abigail are frauds.  This is before they present the petition.