Run for it!

You don't want to wait for them to find you. One thought fills your mind as they continue approaching.

RUN!!!

You take off up the river, hoping to take advantage of the gap between you and them. You don't look back as you hear them notice you and begin making chase. At first they simply wonder what's going on, but soon you can hear their heavy feet trudging after you as fast as they can. You need to keep tight focus in front of you, as the worst thing that could happen is if your bare feet slipped on a slick stone.

Oh. That's right. Your bare feet.

You almost pause for a moment, realizing that you never put your boots back on after your dip in the stream. You picked them up, but you are still holding them in your hand. Realizing that you don't have time to lace your boots back up and carrying them is only slowing you down, you take a moment to toss them aside, abandoning them on the riverbank. At this point you finally take a peek behind you. In your quick peek you notice that your two pursuers are catching up to you very quickly. You turn back around and pick up your pace, keeping your eyes focused on the ground in front of you and still making sure each step is carefully placed so you don't slip or get your bare foot stuck in the mud. You have to make your way out of their sight and hide fast.