Presently the look of agonized dismay gave way to such an expression of relief as might come upon the face of a reprieved victim about to be given to the fire or to the knife that flays.
"Northern Lights"
Gilbert Parker
They say the house is haunted, and-well, it is, I guess, For every empty window just aches with loneliness; With loneliness that tortures and memory that flays; Ah, yes, the house is haunted with ghosts of other days.
"Cross Roads"
Margaret E. Sangster
And then "Basine flays Private Bankers at Mass Meeting...."
"Gargoyles"
Ben Hecht