Yes, it was surely the dogs.

A little later Seegloo, of Borup's party, dashed up on a light sledge drawn by eight dogs, with a note from Marvin containing the welcome news that he, Borup, and their men had slept the previous night at our second camp back; that they would sleep the next night at our first camp back, and catch up with us on the following day.

The rear party, with its precious loads of oil and alcohol, was over the "Big Lead!" Henson at once received instructions to get away early the next morning with his division of Eskimos and sledges, to pioneer the road for the next five marches.

The doctor was informed definitely that he was to return to the land the next morning with two men.

The rest of the party would remain here repairing sledges and drying clothes until Marvin and Borup came in, when I could reapportion my loads, and send back all superfluous men, dogs, and sledges.
That night, my mind again at rest, I slept like a child.