Yes, easily.

Charlotte's arms pulled smoothly at the water. Were it not for her dress she knew she'd be able to out swim even the best given her head start. She was more than halfway across the wide pool and well downstream before she heard the splash of her captor following her. Taking the time to look over her shoulder she saw that he was a much better swimmer than she had anticipated, but it didn't matter. Already her feet were touching the gravel on the bottom of the water and just ahead a smooth grassy bank would be the perfect place to pull out of the cool water. It was a good thing too, the current was stronger where the river narrowed and further downstream the bank was covered with brambles that would make climbing free much more difficult.

She looked back again at her pursuer, he had removed his shirt before leaping in after her and his strong shoulders and broad back were visible as he pulled through the water. With his size and speed, she'd never be able to escape him if he caught her.

Even though the brigand had already made it clear that Charlotte's long limbs and undersized breast did not tempt him in the least, Charlotte shuddered as she envisioned what the half naked brigand would do to her if he could get those strong arms around her waist. Thankfully, he had not reckoned with the strength of the current and she doubted that he'd be able to reach the same bank she had climbed out at. One last glance at the highwayman as he struggled to reach where she stood was enough, moving quickly into the woods she made for the old road that led back to Marlton village.

She moved swiftly along the path for several minutes and then slipped off the road. She hid herself behind a fallen log just within sight of the old trail and waited to see if he'd follow her.

Randy got one good look at his former captive as he was carried by her by the swift current. Her hat was nearly pulled from her hair and the dress was soaking and covered with dirt, but she was still a fine looking woman. The way the wet fabric clung to her legs and ass as she turned away and the intelligence and determination in the eyes that took in his situation did nothing but add to her appeal.

It took almost a minute to find a sandy bank where he could press through the undergrowth that lined the river bank. Without his boots or shirt the walk through the woods was not pleasant. Randy's head ached as he walked as far as the old road and considered his options.

The road was covered with soft pine needles that were easy on his feet but that left little signs of passage. He did not even know if Charlotte knew of this trail or not. If she did he was confident that he'd be able to catch up to her, but she could just as easily be wandering aimlessly through the old forest near the falls.

Deciding that if she was wandering near the falls he’d have a chance to find her later he started down the trail running smoothly and silently his bare feet making little or no noise as they hit the soft layer of fallen needles that padded the path. He ran smoothly scanning the path ahead for any sign of Lady Marlton, but after a few minutes stopped in frustration.

He was, he decided with a grimace, not a very good highwayman. What kind of idiot would capture their bitter rival’s daughter, beautiful daughter he corrected himself, and then let her slip away. Oh God, it was worse than that, he had shown her his secret hideout. If she made it back to her father, Marlton and his men would be back in a matter of hours.

“Damn you Marlton!” He yelled into the empty woods in frustration. “Damn you and your beautiful daughter to hell! Both of you.” Even as he said the words he knew he did not mean them. Marlton he’d damn for sure, but Charlotte had done no wrong; she had just been better than him. He wondered where she was as his eyes futilely scanned the old woods one more time looking for any sign of her..

Charlotte heard the outlaw’s words and in a sudden flash of memory she knew Black Brand’s identity. Mary’s brother had used the same exact words when he had been carried from her dance just six months before. Mary’s brother was Black Brand! And she knew where his hidden lair was. Trembling with excitement, she peeked over the log again trying to see where her captor was. She could see him striding along the old path, his bare arms and chest swinging easily as his head searched the forest. Suddenly, to her horror, he was looking directly at her. Ducking back into her hiding place she waited trembling in fear. Had he seen her?